U.S. patent number 9,265,383 [Application Number 13/762,265] was granted by the patent office on 2016-02-23 for liquid dispensing units.
This patent grant is currently assigned to simplehuman, LLC. The grantee listed for this patent is simplehuman, LLC. Invention is credited to Orlando Cardenas, Joseph Sandor, David Wolbert, Frank Yang.
United States Patent |
9,265,383 |
Yang , et al. |
February 23, 2016 |
Liquid dispensing units
Abstract
A soap dispenser can be configured to dispense an amount of
liquid soap, for example, upon detecting the presence of an object.
Certain embodiments of the dispenser include a housing, reservoir,
pump, motor, sensor, electronic processor, and nozzle. In certain
embodiments, the sensor can be configured to generate a signal
based on a distance between an object and the sensor. In certain
embodiments, the electronic processor can be configured to receive
the signal from the sensor and to determine a dispensation volume
of the liquid. The dispensation volume can vary as a function of
the distance between the object and the sensor. The processor can
be configured to control the motor to dispense approximately the
dispensation volume of the liquid.
Inventors: |
Yang; Frank (Rancho Palos
Verdes, CA), Wolbert; David (Redondo Beach, CA), Sandor;
Joseph (Newport Beach, CA), Cardenas; Orlando (Laguna
Niguel, CA) |
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
simplehuman, LLC |
Torrance |
CA |
US |
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Assignee: |
simplehuman, LLC (Torrance,
CA)
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Family
ID: |
47754988 |
Appl.
No.: |
13/762,265 |
Filed: |
February 7, 2013 |
Prior Publication Data
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Document
Identifier |
Publication Date |
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US 20130200097 A1 |
Aug 8, 2013 |
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Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
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61609213 |
Mar 9, 2012 |
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61596672 |
Feb 8, 2012 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B05B
12/122 (20130101); A47K 5/1211 (20130101); B05B
11/3043 (20130101); A47K 5/1217 (20130101); B65D
25/00 (20130101); H05K 13/00 (20130101); Y10T
29/49002 (20150115) |
Current International
Class: |
A47K
5/12 (20060101); B05B 11/00 (20060101); B65D
25/00 (20060101); H05K 13/00 (20060101) |
Field of
Search: |
;222/52,63,71,333
;141/351 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
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147357 |
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152683 |
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302362836 |
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303102706 |
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001342687-0001 |
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KR |
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WO |
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WO |
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WO 2012/122056 |
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Sep 2012 |
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WO |
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WO 2013/119642 |
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Aug 2013 |
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WO |
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WO 2013/119874 |
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Aug 2013 |
|
WO |
|
Other References
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PCT/US2013/025227, mailed Feb. 25, 2014, in 15 pages. cited by
applicant .
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PCT Application No. PCT/US2013/025227, mailed Aug. 21, 2014, in 10
pages. cited by applicant .
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by applicant .
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Primary Examiner: Shaver; Kevin P
Assistant Examiner: Nichols, II; Robert
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Knobbe, Martens, Olson & Bear,
LLP
Parent Case Text
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This present application claims priority benefit under 35 U.S.C.
.sctn.119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/596,672, filed
Feb. 8, 2012, entitled "Soap Dispensing Units," and U.S.
Provisional Application No. 61/609,213, filed Mar. 9, 2012,
entitled "Soap Dispensing Units," both of which are hereby
incorporated by reference in their entirety.
Claims
The following is claimed:
1. A liquid dispenser comprising: a housing; a reservoir configured
to store a liquid; a fluid passage disposed in the housing, the
fluid passage having an inlet and an outlet; a pump disposed in the
housing, the pump having an opening disposed in a pump body, the
opening in fluid communication with the reservoir, the pump
configured to allow air disposed therein to pass through the
opening; a motor disposed in the housing, the motor configured to
drive the pump, the pump configured to encourage a flow of liquid
from the reservoir into the inlet and out of the outlet of the
fluid passage; a first sensor configured to generate a signal based
on a distance between an object and the first sensor; and an
electronic processor configured to receive the signal from the
first sensor and to determine a dispensation volume of the liquid,
the dispensation volume varying as a function of the distance
between the object and the first sensor such that, as the distance
between the object and the first sensor increases or decreases, the
dispensation volume correspondingly increases or decreases; the
processor further configured to control the motor to dispense
approximately the dispensation volume of the liquid.
2. The liquid dispenser of claim 1, wherein the liquid comprises
liquid soap.
3. The liquid dispenser of claim 1, wherein the liquid dispenser is
configured to: dispense a first volume of the liquid in response to
the object being within a first vertical distance from the first
sensor, and dispense a second volume of the liquid in response to
the object being within a second vertical distance from the first
sensor, the first volume being smaller than the second volume and
the first vertical distance being less than the second vertical
distance.
4. The liquid dispenser of claim 1, further comprising a second
sensor configured to generate a signal in response to the object
being within a sensing region of the second sensor.
5. The liquid dispenser of claim 4, wherein: the dispensation
volume is bounded by an upper dispensation amount limit, and the
electronic processor is further configured to receive the signal
from the second sensor and to control the motor to dispense
approximately the upper dispensation amount limit of the liquid in
response to the object being within the sensing region of the
second sensor.
6. The liquid dispenser of claim 1, wherein the first sensor is
configured to be activated and deactivated, the electronic
processor being configured to deactivate the first sensor for a
period of time after the first sensor generates the signal based on
the distance between the object and the first sensor, thereby
inhibiting the sensor from generating an additional instance of the
signal during the period of time.
7. The liquid dispenser of claim 1, wherein the electronic
processor is configured to calibrate a first distance to correspond
to a first volume and calibrate a second distance to correspond to
a second volume.
8. The liquid dispenser of claim 1, further comprising a port
configured to connect the liquid dispenser to a computer.
9. The liquid dispenser of claim 1, further comprising a user input
device configured to indicate to the processor to dispense a volume
of the liquid.
10. The liquid dispenser of claim 1, wherein, as the distance
between the object and the first sensor increases or decreases the
dispensation volume linearly increases or decreases.
11. The liquid dispenser of claim 1, wherein, as the distance
between the object and the first sensor increases or decreases the
dispensation volume exponentially increases or decreases.
12. The liquid dispenser of claim 1, wherein the processor is
further configured to determine the dispensation volume before
controlling the motor to dispense the liquid.
13. The liquid dispenser of claim 1, wherein the motor operates
continuously or substantially continuously during dispensation of
the dispensation volume of the liquid.
14. A liquid dispenser comprising: a housing; a reservoir
configured to store a liquid; a fluid passage disposed in the
housing, the fluid passage having an inlet and an outlet; a pump
and a motor disposed in the housing, the pump configured to be
driven by the motor to encourage a flow of liquid from the
reservoir into the inlet and out of the outlet of the fluid
passage; a sensor configured to generate a signal indicative of a
range between an object and the sensor, the signal increasing or
decreasing as the range between the object and the sensor increases
or decreases; and an electronic processor configured to receive the
signal from the sensor and to determine a variable dispensation
volume, the determined variable dispensation volume increasing or
decreasing as the signal increases or decreases; the electronic
processor further configured to energize the motor to drive the
pump to encourage approximately the variable dispensation volume of
the liquid to be dispensed out of the outlet of the fluid
passage.
15. The liquid dispenser of claim 14, wherein, the determined
variable dispensation volume linearly increases or decreases as the
signal increases or decreases.
16. The liquid dispenser of claim 14, wherein, the determined
variable dispensation volume exponentially increases or decreases
as the signal increases or decreases.
17. The liquid dispenser of claim 14, wherein the determined
variable dispensation volume increases as the signal increases and
decreases as the signal decreases.
18. The liquid dispenser of claim 14, wherein the pump further
comprises a pump body with an opening in fluid communication with
the reservoir, the opening configured to allow air disposed in the
pump body to pass through the opening.
19. The liquid dispenser of claim 14, wherein the processor is
further configured to control the motor to dispense approximately
the variable dispensation volume of the liquid in a single
dispensation.
20. The liquid dispenser of claim 14, wherein the outlet comprises
a nozzle.
21. The liquid dispenser of claim 14, wherein the range is a
vertical range.
22. The liquid dispenser of claim 14, further comprising a second
sensor configured to generate a signal in response to the object
being within a sensing region of the second sensor.
23. The liquid dispenser of claim 22, wherein the electronic
processor is further configured to receive the signal from the
second sensor and, in response, to control the motor to dispense
approximately a predetermined dispensation amount of the
liquid.
24. The liquid dispenser of claim 14, wherein: the liquid dispenser
is configured to detect whether the object is in a first sensing
region and a second sensing region; in response to the object being
in the first region, the liquid dispenser is in a first operational
state; and in response to the object being in the second region,
the liquid dispenser is in a second operational state.
25. The liquid dispenser of claim 24, wherein the first region is
closer to the sensor than the second sensing region.
26. The liquid dispenser of claim 24, wherein: the first
operational state comprises a normal mode and the second
operational state comprises an extended chore mode; and the
variable dispensation volume is greater when the dispenser is in
the extended chore mode than when the dispenser is in the normal
mode.
27. The liquid dispenser of claim 14, further comprising a port
configured to connect the liquid dispenser to a computer.
28. The liquid dispenser of claim 14, further comprising a user
input device configured to transmit, to the processor, a signal to
dispense a volume of the liquid.
29. The liquid dispenser of claim 14, wherein the liquid comprises
liquid soap.
Description
BACKGROUND
1. Field
The present disclosure relates to liquid dispensers, and more
particularly, some embodiments relate to electronic liquid
dispensers.
2. Description of the Related Art
Users of modern public washroom facilities increasingly desire that
each of the fixtures in the washroom operate automatically without
being touched by the user's hand. This is important in view of
increased user awareness of the degree to which germs and bacteria
may be transmitted from one person to another in a public washroom
environment. Today, it is not uncommon to find public washrooms
with automatic, hands-free operated toilet and urinal units, hand
washing faucets, soap dispensers, hand dryers, and door opening
mechanisms. This automation allows the user to avoid touching any
of the fixtures in the facility, and therefore lessens the
opportunity for the transmission of disease-carrying germs or
bacteria resulting from manual contact with the fixtures in the
washroom.
SUMMARY
In some embodiments, a liquid dispenser such as a soap dispenser
comprises a proximity sensor or a reflective type sensor configured
to generate a signal representing the distance between an object
and the sensor, and an electronic processor configured to generate
an electronic signal to the motor for dispensing a volume of soap
that varies depending on the distance between the object and the
sensor.
In some embodiments, a liquid dispenser comprises a removable
cartridge configured to contain a volume of liquid such as soap and
a battery in a single disposable unit. The removable cartridge can
include attachment members to help attach the cartridge to the pump
during use in a manner that permits the cartridge to be removed
after the liquid and/or battery is spent.
In some embodiments, a disposable cartridge for an electric liquid
dispenser comprises a cartridge housing with attachment members
configured to removably attach to a pump housing; a reservoir
within or attached to the cartridge housing configured to contain a
volume of liquid such as soap; a battery within or attached to the
cartridge housing configured to provide sufficient electrical
energy to power a liquid dispenser for at least the period during
which the liquid such as soap contained within the reservoir will
be used during normal usage.
Certain aspects of this disclosure are directed toward liquid
dispensers including a housing, a reservoir, a fluid passage, a
pump, a motor, a first sensor, and an electronic processor. The
reservoir can be configured to store liquid. The fluid passage can
be disposed in the housing and can include an inlet and an outlet.
The pump can be disposed in the housing. The pump can include an
opening disposed in a pump body, and the opening can be in fluid
communication with the reservoir. The pump can be configured to
allow air disposed therein to pass through the opening. The motor
can be disposed in the housing. The motor can be configured to
drive the pump, which can be configured to encourage a flow of
liquid from the reservoir into the inlet and out of the outlet of
the fluid passage. The first sensor can be configured to generate a
signal representing a distance between an object and the first
sensor. The electronic processor can be configured to receive the
signal from the first sensor and to determine a dispensation volume
of the liquid or another variable characteristic of the dispensed
liquid, such as the type of liquid to be dispensed (e.g., soap or
lotion or sanitizer, or different types or grades of these liquids,
etc). In a system in which multiple types of liquid can be
dispensed, a plurality of liquid reservoirs and valves can be
utilized to control the flow of multiple liquids. The dispensation
volume or other liquid characteristic can vary as a function of the
distance between the object and the first sensor. The processor can
be configured to control the motor to dispense approximately the
desired dispensation volume of the liquid.
Any of the liquid dispenser features, structures, steps, or
processes disclosed in this specification can be included in any
embodiments. The motor can be configured to dispense a first volume
of fluid when the object is within a first distance from the first
sensor and dispense a second volume of fluid when the object is
within a second distance from the first sensor. The first volume
can be smaller than the second volume, and the first distance can
be less than a second distance. The liquid dispenser can include a
second sensor configured to generate a signal when the object is
within a sensing region of the second sensor. The dispensation
volume can be bound by an upper dispensation amount limit. The
electronic processor can include one or more subroutines configured
to generate an electronic signal to the motor for dispensing the
upper dispensation amount limit of the liquid when the object is
within the sensing region of the second sensor. The first sensor
can be configured to be activated and deactivated. The electronic
processor can be configured to deactivate the first sensor for a
period of time after the first sensor generates the signal based on
the distance between the object and the first sensor, thereby
inhibiting the sensor from generating an additional instance of the
signal during the period of time. The electronic processor can be
configured to calibrate a first distance to correspond to a first
volume and calibrate a second distance to correspond to a second
volume. The liquid dispenser can include a port configured to
connect the liquid dispenser to a computer. The liquid dispenser
can include a user input device configured to manually dispense the
volume of liquid.
Certain aspects of this disclosure are directed toward methods of
manufacturing a soap dispenser. In certain aspects, the methods can
include forming the soap dispenser. The soap dispenser can include
a pump, a motor, a first sensor, and an electronic processor. In
certain aspects, the methods can include configuring the first
sensor to generate a signal representing a distance between an
object and the first sensor. In certain aspects, the methods can
include configuring the electronic processor to check for signals
generated by the first sensor. In certain aspects, the methods can
include configuring the electronic processor to generate a signal
to the motor to dispense a volume of soap that varies depending on
the distance between the object and the sensor.
The method of manufacturing steps disclosed in this specification
can be used in any embodiments. Configuring the electronic
processor to generate the signal to the motor can include
generating a first signal to the motor to dispense a first volume
of fluid when the object is within a first distance from the first
sensor and generating a second signal to dispense a second volume
of fluid when the object is within a second distance from the first
sensor. The first volume can be smaller than the second volume, and
the first distance can be less than the second distance. The
methods can include generating a second signal with a second sensor
of the soap pump and receiving the second signal in the processor.
The methods can include configuring the electronic processor to
generate a signal to the motor to dispense a predetermined volume
of soap when the object is detected within a sensing region of a
second sensor. The methods can include configuring the electronic
processor to deactivate the first sensor for a period of time after
the first sensor generates the signal representing the distance
between the object and the first sensor.
Certain aspects of this disclosure are directed toward liquid
dispensers such as soap dispensers having a removable cartridge.
The liquid dispenser can include a housing, a fluid passage, a
pump, and a motor. The fluid passage, the pump, and the motor can
be disposed in the housing. The fluid passage can include an inlet
and an outlet. The pump can include an opening disposed in a pump
body, and the opening can be in fluid communication with the
removable cartridge. The removable cartridge can comprise one or
more liquid reservoirs configured to contain at least one liquid
such as soap (or multiple liquids in some embodiments with a
plurality of reservoirs), and a power source in a single disposable
unit. The motor can be configured to a drive the pump to encourage
a flow of liquid such as soap from the removable cartridge into the
inlet and out of the outlet of the fluid passage.
The liquid dispenser features disclosed in this specification can
be included in any embodiments. The power source can include a
battery. The dispenser can include a removable cartridge capable of
engaging a bottom portion of the housing. The pump can include at
least two gears. The pump can be positioned near an upper portion
of the soap dispenser. The motor can be disposed between the pump
and a top surface of the housing. The pump can be configured to
discharge liquid such as soap from a pump outlet in a generally
vertical pathway. The liquid dispenser can include a user input
device configured to manually dispense liquid. The liquid dispenser
can include a removable cartridge having an indicator configured to
indicate at least one characteristic of the cartridge to the pump.
In certain aspects, the at least one characteristic of the
cartridge is selected from the group consisting of a brand of the
liquid, a viscosity of the liquid, a moisture content of the
liquid, a volume of the liquid, the type of liquid or liquids
(soap, lotion, sanitizer, etc), and a battery capacity. In certain
aspects, at least one output characteristic of the pump can be
adjusted based on the at least one characteristic of the cartridge.
In certain aspects, the at least one output characteristic is
selected from the group consisting of a dispensation volume, a
dispensation period, a motor duty cycle, a pumping pressure, and an
operational voltage.
Certain aspects of this disclosure are directed toward a disposable
cartridge for an electric liquid dispenser. The cartridge can
include a housing having attachment members configured to removably
attach to a pump housing. The cartridge can include a reservoir or
reservoirs within or attached to the cartridge housing and
configured to contain a volume of liquid such as soap and/or other
types of liquid. The reservoir can be configured to contain a
volume of liquid such as soap. The volume of liquid can be
configured to be about exhausted after a set number of dispensation
cycles during normal use of the liquid dispenser. The cartridge can
include a battery within or attached to the cartridge housing. The
battery can be configured to provide sufficient electrical energy
to power a motor of the soap dispenser for about or at least about
the set number of dispensation cycles.
The features of the disposable cartridge disclosed in this
specification can be included in any embodiments. The cartridge can
include soap or another type of liquid in the reservoir. The
battery can be configured to be exhausted at about the same time as
a volume of soap is exhausted. The cartridge can include a one-way
valve. The cartridge can include a seal configured to be punctured
or otherwise moved or opened when the cartridge housing attaches to
the soap pump housing.
Certain aspects of this disclosure are directed toward a fluid
cartridge for an electrical fluid dispenser. The fluid cartridge
can include a disposable housing configured to attach to a pump
unit. The cartridge can include a reservoir, an engagement
mechanism, and an indicator. The engagement mechanism can be
configured to removably attach the housing to the pump unit. The
indicator can be configured to indicate at least one characteristic
of the cartridge to the pump unit, such as a characteristic
regarding the one or more liquids in the one or more reservoirs in
the cartridge, the volume of liquid left in one or more reservoirs
in the cartridge, the remaining power of the battery in the
cartridge, etc.
The features of the fluid cartridge disclosed in this specification
can be included in any embodiments. The fluid cartridge can include
a battery attached to the disposable housing. The at least one
characteristic can be selected from the group consisting of a brand
of a fluid in the reservoir, a viscosity of the fluid, a moisture
content of the fluid, a volume of the fluid, and a battery
capacity. The indicator can include a configuration of one or more
structures, the configuration representing the at least one
characteristic of the cartridge. The indicator can include
electronic circuitry configured to produce an electronic signal.
The electronic signal can represent the at least one characteristic
of the cartridge. The engagement indication element can be
configured to indicate that the fluid cartridge is properly engaged
with the pump unit. The engagement mechanism can include one or
more protrusions configured to be received in a corresponding one
or more openings of the pump unit.
For purposes of summarizing the disclosure, certain aspects,
advantages and features of the inventions have been described
herein. It is to be understood that not necessarily any or all such
advantages will be achieved in accordance with any or all
particular embodiments of the inventions disclosed herein.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Certain features, aspects, and advantages of the subject matter
disclosed herein are described below with reference to the
drawings, which are intended to illustrate and not to limit the
scope of the disclosure. Various features of different disclosed
embodiments can be combined to form additional embodiments, which
are part of this disclosure. No structures, features, steps, or
processes are essential or critical; any can be omitted in certain
embodiments. The drawings comprise the following figures:
FIG. 1 schematically illustrates an automatic liquid soap
dispenser.
FIG. 2 illustrates a front, top, left side perspective view of an
embodiment of an automatic liquid soap dispenser.
FIG. 3 illustrates a left side elevational view of the liquid soap
dispenser of FIG. 2.
FIG. 4 illustrates a top plan view of the liquid soap dispenser of
FIG. 2.
FIG. 5 illustrates a rear elevational view of the liquid soap
dispenser of FIG. 2.
FIG. 6 illustrates a front, bottom, right side exploded perspective
view of the liquid soap dispenser in FIG. 2, showing a pump and
motor cavity cover member, a battery compartment cover member, and
a gasket separated from the main housing thereof.
FIG. 7 illustrates a partial sectional view of a liquid soap
reservoir of the liquid soap dispenser of FIG. 2, including a
portion of the reservoir, pump, pump cover, and drive sheave.
FIG. 8 illustrates another sectional view of the pump, pump cover,
and drive sheave illustrated in FIG. 7.
FIG. 9 illustrates a partial front, left, bottom perspective view
of the liquid soap dispenser of FIG. 2 with the pump exploded and
separated from the bottom of the dispenser.
FIG. 9A illustrates a bottom view of the pump of FIG. 9, with a
bottom portion of the pump removed to expose the interface of gears
in the pump.
FIG. 10 illustrates a front, top, and left side perspective view of
another embodiment of a liquid soap dispenser, including a
discharge nozzle.
FIG. 11 illustrates a right side elevational view of the dispenser
of FIG. 10.
FIG. 12 illustrates a front elevational view of the dispenser of
FIG. 10.
FIG. 12A illustrates a cross-sectional view of the dispenser of
FIG. 10 along the line 12A-12A of FIG. 12.
FIG. 13 illustrates a perspective view of the discharge nozzle of
FIG. 10.
FIG. 13A illustrates a perspective view of the discharge nozzle of
FIG. 13 in a compressed state squeezed between two fingers, showing
the discharge nozzle in an open configuration.
FIG. 14 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the discharge nozzle
of FIG. 13.
FIG. 15 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the discharge nozzle
attached to a pipe.
FIG. 16 illustrates a perspective view of the discharge nozzle
coupled with a mounting flange and an angled member.
FIG. 17 illustrates a bottom plan view of the soap pump of FIG. 10
with another embodiment of a discharge nozzle.
FIG. 18 illustrates a perspective view of the discharge nozzle of
FIG. 17.
FIG. 19 illustrates another perspective view of the discharge
nozzle of FIG. 18.
FIG. 20 illustrates a left side exploded view of the discharge
nozzle of FIGS. 17-19 coupled with an angled member and a fluid
supply source.
FIG. 21 illustrates a bottom left perspective view of the discharge
nozzle, angled member, and fluid supply source of FIG. 20 in an
assembled state.
FIG. 22 illustrates top, left, rear perspective view of the soap
pump of FIG. 10, with a top portion of a housing removed to expose
certain components.
FIG. 22A illustrates a focused top, left, rear perspective view of
a portion of the housing of FIG. 22.
FIG. 23 illustrates a focused top, right, rear perspective exploded
view of the housing of FIG. 22 and the discharge nozzle, angled
member, and a fluid supply source of FIGS. 20 and 21.
FIG. 23A illustrates a focused top, right, rear assembled
perspective view of the housing of FIG. 22 and the discharge
nozzle, angled member, and a fluid supply source of FIGS. 20 and
21.
FIG. 24 illustrates a front, top, left perspective view of another
embodiment of a discharge nozzle, including concave cutouts.
FIGS. 25A-C illustrate front views of outlets of three embodiments
of discharge nozzles for a soap pump.
FIG. 26 illustrates a top, left, front perspective and partial
cross-sectional view of the dispenser of FIG. 10, including a pump
and a reservoir with an outlet.
FIG. 27 illustrates a bottom front perspective view of an
embodiment of the pump of FIG. 26.
FIG. 28 illustrates a top front perspective of the pump of FIG.
26.
FIG. 29 illustrates top rear perspective of the pump of FIG. 26,
the pump having an upper member, a lower member, and gears.
FIG. 29A illustrates a top rear perspective of the upper member of
FIG. 29.
FIG. 30 illustrates a perspective view of one of the gears of FIG.
29.
FIG. 31 illustrates a top plan view of the gear of FIG. 30, the
gear including teeth.
FIG. 31A illustrates a focused view of an alternate configuration
of the teeth of the gear of FIG. 31.
FIG. 32 illustrates a top cross-sectional view of the pump of FIG.
27, along the line 32-32.
FIGS. 33-36 illustrate another embodiment of a soap dispenser, the
dispenser including sensing regions.
FIG. 37 is a schematic block diagram of an example of a soap
dispenser control algorithm.
FIG. 38 illustrates another embodiment of a soap dispenser, the
dispenser including a disposable soap cartridge.
FIG. 39 illustrates an embodiment of a soap dispenser, including a
lid.
FIG. 40 illustrates a rear view of the embodiment of FIG. 39,
including a port.
FIG. 41 illustrates a focused view of the embodiment of FIG. 39
showing the port.
FIG. 42 illustrates a front view of the embodiment of FIG. 39 with
a portion of the housing removed.
FIG. 43 illustrates a partial view of the embodiment of FIG. 39
with the lid in an open position.
FIG. 44 illustrates a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 39 with a
portion of the housing removed.
FIG. 45 illustrates an embodiment of a soap dispenser, including an
upper portion and a lower portion.
FIG. 46A illustrates the upper portion of the embodiment of FIG.
45.
FIG. 46B illustrates the lower portion of the embodiment of FIG.
45.
FIG. 47 illustrates a bottom view of the upper portion of the
embodiment of FIG. 45 with a portion of a housing removed.
FIG. 48 illustrates a top view of the upper portion of the
embodiment of FIG. 45 with a portion of the housing removed.
FIGS. 49-50 illustrate a side view of the upper portion of the
embodiment of FIG. 45 with the housing removed.
FIG. 51 illustrates an embodiment of a pump.
FIG. 52 illustrates a bottom view of the embodiment of FIG. 51.
FIG. 53 illustrates a portion of the pump body of the embodiment of
FIG. 51.
FIG. 54 illustrates a gear mechanism of the embodiment of FIG.
54.
FIG. 55 illustrates another embodiment of a soap dispenser, with a
cartridge and a pump unit.
FIG. 56A illustrates a first indication engagement configuration of
the cartridge and the pump unit of FIG. 55.
FIG. 56B illustrates a second indication engagement configuration
of the cartridge and the pump unit of FIG. 55.
FIG. 56C illustrates a third indication engagement configuration of
the cartridge and the pump unit of FIG. 55.
FIG. 57 illustrates an algorithm for controlling a soap dispenser,
such as the embodiment of FIG. 55.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
A variety of soap dispensers are described below to illustrate
various examples that may be employed to achieve one or more
desired improvements. These examples are only illustrative and not
intended in any way to restrict the general inventions presented
and the various aspects and features of these inventions.
Furthermore, the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the
purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. No
features, structure, or step disclosed herein is essential or
indispensable.
With reference to FIG. 1, a liquid soap dispenser 10 can include a
housing 12, which can take any shape. In some embodiments, the
housing 12 can at least partially contain a liquid handling system
14. The liquid handling system 14 can include a reservoir 16, a
pump 18, and a discharge assembly 20.
The reservoir 16 can be any type of container. In the illustrated
embodiment, the reservoir 16 can be configured to contain a volume
of liquid soap, such as liquid soap for hand washing. In some
embodiments, the reservoir 16 can include a lid 22 configured to
form a seal at the top of the reservoir 16 for maintaining the
liquid soap L within the reservoir 16. In some embodiments, the lid
22 can include an air vent (not shown), which can allow air to
enter the reservoir 16 as the level of liquid soap L falls within
the reservoir 16. In some variants, the reservoir 16 can include an
outlet 24 disposed at a lower end of the reservoir 16. In certain
embodiments, the reservoir 16 can be connected to the pump 18
through the opening 24.
In some embodiments, the pump 18 can be disposed below (e.g.,
directly below) the outlet 24 of the reservoir 16. In certain
embodiments, the pump 18 can be automatically primed due to the
force of gravity drawing liquid soap L into the pump 18 through the
opening 24. The pump 18 can be connected to the discharge system 20
with a conduit 26. Any type or diameter of conduit can be used.
The discharge assembly 20 can include a discharge nozzle 28, such
as a flap-type nozzle as described in further detail below. The
size and configuration of the discharge nozzle 28 can be determined
to provide the appropriate flow rate and/or resistance against flow
of liquid soap L from the pump 18. In some embodiments, the nozzle
28 can be disposed at a location spaced from the lower portion of
the housing 12 so as to make it more convenient for a user to place
their hand or other body part under the nozzle 28.
The dispenser 10 can include a power supply 60. In some
embodiments, the power supply 60 can be a battery. In certain
embodiments, the power supply 60 includes electronics for accepting
AC or DC power. In some implementations, the power supply 60 can be
configured to interface with a standard domestic electrical supply
(e.g., 120 volt alternating current).
In certain embodiments, the dispenser 10 has a pump actuation
system 30, which in turn includes a sensor device 32 and a light
receiving portion 42. In some embodiments, a beam of light 44 can
be emitted from the light emitting portion 40 and received by the
light receiving portion 42.
The sensor 32 can be configured to emit a trigger signal when the
light beam 44 is blocked. For example, if the sensor 32 is
activated, and the light emitting portion 40 is activated, but the
light receiving portion 42 does not receive the light emitted from
the light emitting portion 40, then the sensor 32 can emit a
trigger signal. This trigger signal can be used for controlling
operation of the motor or an actuator 34, described in greater
detail below. This type of sensor can provide further
advantages.
For example, because in some embodiments the sensor 32 can be an
interrupt-type sensor, it can be triggered when a body is disposed
in the path of the beam of light 44. The sensor 32 is not or need
not be triggered by movement of a body in the vicinity of the beam
44. Rather, in some embodiments, the sensor 32 can be triggered
only if the light beam 44 is interrupted. To provide further or
alternative prevention of unintentional triggering of the sensor
32, the sensor 32, including the light emitting portion 40 and the
light receiving portion 42, can be recessed in the housing 12.
Some implementations provide other additional or alternative
advantages. For example, the sensor 32 only requires enough power
to generate the low power beam of light 44, which may or may not be
visible to the human eye, and to power the light receiving portion
42. These types of sensors require far less power than infrared or
motion-type sensors. In some embodiments, the sensor 32 can be
operated in a pulsating mode. For example, the light emitting
portion 40 can be powered on and off in a cycle such as, for
example, for short bursts lasting for any desired period of time
(e.g., less than or equal to about 0.01 second, less than or equal
to about 0.1 second, or less than or equal to about 1 second) at
any desired frequency (e.g., once per half second, once per second,
once per ten seconds). These different time characteristics can be
referred to as an activation period or frequency, which corresponds
to the periodic activation of the sensor 32. Thus, an activation
frequency of four times per second would be equivalent to an
activation period of once per quarter second.
The other aspect of this characteristic can be referred to as an
activation duration. Thus, if the sensor 32 is activated for 50
microseconds, 50 microseconds is the activation duration time
period. Cycling can greatly reduce the power demand for powering
the sensor 32. In operation, cycling does not degrade performance
in some embodiments because the user generally maintains his or her
body parts or other appendage or device in the path of the light
beam 44 long enough for a detection signal to be generated and to
trigger the sensor 32.
The sensor 32 can be connected to a circuit board, an integrated
circuit, or other device for triggering the actuator 34. In some
embodiments, the sensor 32 can be connected to an electronic
control unit ("ECU") 46. The ECU 46 can include one or a plurality
of circuit boards, which can provide hard wired feedback control
circuits, a processor and memory devices for storing and performing
control routines, or any other type of controller. In some
embodiments, the ECU 46 can include an H-bridge transistor/MOSFET
hardware configuration which allows for bidirectional drive of an
electric motor, and a microcontroller such as Model No. PIC16F685
commercially available from the Microchip Technology Inc., and/or
other devices.
The actuator 34 can be any type of actuator. For example, the
actuator 34 can be an AC or DC electric motor, stepper motor,
server motor, solenoid, stepper solenoid, or any other type of
actuator. In some embodiments, the actuator 34 can be connected to
the pump 18 with a transmitter device 50. For example, the
transmitter device 50 can include any type of gear train or any
type of flexible transmitter assembly.
The dispenser 10 can include a user input device 52. The user input
device 52 can be any type of device allowing a user to input a
command into the ECU 46. In some embodiments, the input device 52
can be in the form of a button configured to allow a user to
depress the button so as to transmit a command to the ECU 46. For
example, the ECU 46 can be configured to actuate the actuator 34 to
drive the pump 18 any time the input device 52 can be actuated by a
user. The ECU 46 can be configured to provide other functions upon
the activation of the input device 52, described in greater detail
below.
The dispenser 10 can include a selector device 54. The selector
device 54 can be any type of configuration allowing the user to
input a proportional command to the ECU 46. For example, the
selector can have at least two positions, such as a first position
and a second position. The position of the input device 54 can be
used to control an aspect of the operation of the dispenser 10.
For example, the input device 54 can be used as a selector for
allowing a user to select different amounts of liquid soap L to be
dispensed from the nozzle 28 during each dispensation cycle. When
the input device 54 is in a first position, the ECU 46 can operate
the actuator 34 to drive the pump 18 to dispense a predetermined
amount of liquid soap from the nozzle 28, each time the sensor 32
is triggered. When the input device 54 is in the second position,
the ECU 46 can actuate the actuator 34 to dispense a larger amount
of liquid soap L from the nozzle 28.
In some embodiments, the input device 54 can provide a virtually
continuous range of output values to the ECU 46, or a larger number
of steps, corresponding to different volumes of liquid soap L to be
dispensed each dispensation cycle performed by the ECU 46. Although
the positions of the input device 54 may correspond to different
volumes of liquid soap L, the ECU 46 can correlate the different
positions of the input device 54 to different duty cycle
characteristics or durations of operation of the actuator 34,
thereby at times discharging differing or slightly differing
volumes of liquid soap L from the nozzle 28.
The dispenser 10 can include an indicator device 56 configured to
issue a visual, aural, or other type of indication to a user of the
dispenser 10. For example, in some embodiments, the indicator 56
can include a light and/or an audible tone perceptible to the
operator of the dispenser 10. In some embodiments, the ECU 46 can
be configured to actuate the indicator 56 to emit a light and/or a
tone after a predetermined time period has elapsed after the
actuator 34 has been driven to dispense a predetermined amount of
liquid soap L from the nozzle 28. The indicator can provide a
reminder to a user of the dispenser 10 to continue to wash their
hands until the indicator has been activated. This predetermined
time period can be at least about 20 seconds, although other
amounts of time can be used. The indicator 56 can be used for other
purposes as well.
Further advantages can be achieved where the indicator can be
activated for a predetermined time after the pump has completed a
pumping cycle (described in greater detail below with reference to
FIG. 4). For example, the ECU 46 can be configured to activate the
indicator 56 for 20 seconds after the pump 18 has been operated to
discharge an amount of soap from the nozzle 28. The indicator 56
can be activated at the appropriate time for advising users as to
how long they should wash their hands.
In some embodiments, the indicator 56 can be a Light Emitting Diode
(LED) type light, and can be powered by the ECU 46 to blink
throughout the predetermined time period. Thus, a user can use the
length of time during which the indicator 56 blinks as an
indication as to how long the user should continue to wash their
hands with the soap disposed from the nozzle 28. Other types of
indicators and predetermined time periods can be used.
In operation, the ECU 46 can activate the sensor 32, continuously
or periodically, to detect the presence of an object between the
light emitting portion 40 and the light receiving portion 42
thereof. When an object blocks the light beam 44, the ECU 46
determines that a dispensing cycle should begin. The ECU 46 can
then actuate the actuator 34 to drive the pump 18 to thereby
dispense liquid soap L from the nozzle 28.
As noted above, in some embodiments, the ECU 46 can vary the amount
of liquid soap L dispensed from the nozzle 28 for each dispensation
cycle, depending on a position of the selector 54. Thus, for
example, the dispenser 10 can be configured to discharge a first
volume of liquid soap L from the nozzle 28 when the selector is in
a first position, and to discharge a second different amount of
liquid soap L when the selector 54 is in a second position.
As noted above, the indicator 56 can be activated, by the ECU 46,
after a predetermined amount of time has elapsed after each
dispensation cycle. Further, the ECU 46 can be configured to cancel
or prevent the indicator 56 from being activated if the button 52
has been actuated in accordance with a predetermined pattern. For
example, the ECU 46 can be configured to cancel the activation of
the indicator 56 if the button 52 has been pressed twice quickly.
However, any pattern of operation of the button 52 can be used as
the command for canceling the indicator 56. The dispenser 10 can
include other input devices for allowing a user to cancel the
indicator 56.
In some embodiments, the ECU 46 can be configured to continuously
operate the actuator 34 or to activate the actuator 34 for a
maximum predetermined time when the button 52 is depressed. This
can allow an operator of the dispenser 10 to manually operate the
dispenser to continuously discharge or discharge larger amounts of
liquid soap L when desired. For example, if a user of the dispenser
10 wishes to fill a sink full of soapy water for washing dishes,
the user can simply push the button 52 and dispense a larger amount
of soap than would normally be used for washing one's hands, such
as at least about 3 milliliters or at least about 4
milliliters.
FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate a modification of the dispenser 10,
identified generally by the reference numeral 10A. Some of the
components of the dispenser 10A can be the same, similar, or
identical to the corresponding components of the dispenser 10
illustrated in FIG. 1. These corresponding components are
identified with the same reference numeral, except that an "A" has
been added thereto.
As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the lower portion 100 of the dispenser
10A can be designed to support the housing 12A on a generally flat
surface, such as those normally found on a countertop in a bathroom
or a kitchen. Further, some embodiments of the dispenser 10A are
movable. For example, the dispenser 10A can be readily relocated
from one position to another position on a countertop. In some
implementations, the dispenser 10A is not attached, embedded, or
otherwise joined with a surface that supports the dispenser 10A.
For example, certain implementations of the dispenser 10A are not
mounted to, or recessed in, a countertop or wall.
In some embodiments, the nozzle 28 can be disposed in a manner such
that the nozzle 28A extends outwardly from the periphery defined by
the lower portion 100. If a user misses soap dispensed from the
nozzle 28A, and the soap L falls, it will not strike on any portion
of the housing 12A. This helps prevent the dispenser 10A from
becoming soiled from dripping soap L. The configuration and
functionality of the nozzle 28A is described in greater detail
below with reference to FIGS. 10-16.
In some embodiments, the indicator 56, which can be a visual
indicator such as an LED light, can be positioned on the outer
housing 12A, above the nozzle 28A. As such, the indicator 56A can
be easily seen by an operator standing over the pump. In some
embodiments, the visual type indicator 56A can be disposed on a
lower portion of the housing (illustrated in phantom line).
However, the indicator 56A can be positioned in other locations,
such as on an upper portion of the housing, at or near the
discharge nozzle 28, or otherwise.
As shown in FIG. 3, the reservoir 16A can be disposed within the
housing 12A. The pump 18A can be disposed beneath the reservoir 16A
such that the outlet 24A of the reservoir 16A feeds into the pump
18A. As noted above, this can help the pump 18A to achieve a
self-priming state due to the force of gravity drawing liquid soap
L through the outlet 24A into the pump 18A.
In some embodiments, the reservoir 16A can include a recess 102.
The actuator 34A can be disposed somewhat nested with the reservoir
16A. This can provide for a more compact arrangement and allow the
reservoir 16A to be larger.
In some embodiments, the housing 12A includes a first chamber 104
and a second chamber 106. The pump 18A and actuator 34A can be
disposed within the first chamber 104 and the power supply 60A can
be disposed in the second chamber 106. In some embodiments, the
chambers 104, 106 can be defined by inner walls of the housing 12A
and/or additional walls (not shown).
With reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, the button 52A can be disposed
anywhere on the housing 12A. In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS.
4 and 5, the button 52A can be disposed on an upper portion 110 of
the housing 12A. The button 52A can be positioned conveniently for
actuation by a user of the dispenser 10A. For example, in some
embodiments, the button 52A can be disposed proximate to an outer
periphery of the housing 12A, on the upper portion 110, and
approximately centered along a rear surface of the housing 12A.
This can provide a location in which a user can easily grasp the
outer surface of the housing 12A with three fingers and their
thumb, and actuate the button 52A with their index finger.
Certain embodiments of the housing 12A include surface textures 112
configured to allow a user to obtain enhanced grip on the housing
12A when attempting to lift the dispenser 10A and depress the
button 52A. Such surface textures 112 can have any configuration,
such as ridges, bumps, knurls, groves, divots, holes, or otherwise.
In some embodiments, the surface textures 112 can be in the form of
finger shaped recesses.
With reference to FIG. 6, as noted above, the dispensers 10, 10A
can include a support member arrangement 120 that can achieve the
dual functions of providing a support leg or foot for the
associated dispenser and provide a sealing function for internal
cavities disposed within the associated dispenser.
As noted above, the dispenser 10A can include first and second
chambers 104, 106 for containing the power supply 60A and the pump
18A and actuator 34A, respectively. Certain implementations include
an interior compartment. As shown in FIG. 6, an interior wall 122
can be disposed between the chambers 104, 106.
The sealing arrangement 120 can include a gasket member 124 and lid
members 126, 128. The gasket 124 can be configured to extend around
an opening 130 of the compartment 106 and an opening 132 of the
compartment 104. Thus, in some embodiments, the gasket member 124
can include a battery compartment portion 134 and a pump and motor
compartment portion 136. The battery compartment portion 134 can be
configured to extend around an interior periphery of the opening
130. The portion 134 can be configured to straddle a lower-most
edge of the opening 130, or to extend around an outer periphery of
the opening 130. Similarly, the portion 136 can be configured to
extend along an inner periphery of the opening 132. In some
embodiments, the portions 134, 136 can be configured to rest
against a shelf defined along the inner peripheries of the openings
130, 132. In some implementations, a center dividing portion 138 of
the gasket 124 can be configured to form a seal along the
lower-most edge of the wall 122.
The gasket member 124 can be configured to extend around an opening
130 of the chamber 106 and an opening 132 of the chamber 104. The
lid members 126, 128 can be configured to rest against inner walls
140, 142 defined by the portions 134, 136, respectively. The lid
members 126, 128 can be configured to form seals with the inner
peripheral walls 140, 142, respectively. In certain such instances,
the seals help protect the components disposed within the chambers
104, 106.
As shown, in some embodiments, the gasket member 124 can include a
battery compartment portion 134 and a pump and motor compartment
portion 136. The battery compartment portion 134 can be configured
to extend around an interior periphery of the opening 130. The
portion 134 can be configured to straddle a lower-most edge of the
opening 130, or to extend around an outer periphery of the opening
130. Similarly, the motor compartment portion 136 can be configured
to extend along an inner periphery of the opening 132. In some
embodiments, the portions 134, 136 can be configured to rest
against a shelf defined along the inner peripheries of the openings
130, 132.
In some embodiments, fasteners 140 can be used to secure the lid
members 126, 128 to the housing 12A. For example, the lid members
126, 128 can include apertures 142 through which the fasteners 140
can extend. The fasteners 140 can engage mounting portions disposed
within the housing 12A. As such, the lid members 126, 128 can be
secured to the housing 12A and form a seal with the gasket member
124.
In certain implementations, at least one of the lid members 126,
128 includes an additional aperture 144 configured to allow access
to a device disposed in one of the chambers 104, 106. In the
illustrated embodiment, the aperture 144 is in the form of a slot.
However, any type of aperture can be used. The slot 144 can be
configured to allow a portion of the selector 54 to extend
therethrough. For example, the selector 54A can be in the
configuration of a slider member 150 slidably disposed in a housing
152. For example, the selector 54 can be in the configuration of a
rheostat or other type of input device that allows for a
proportional signal.
For example, as noted above, the housing 152 can be configured to
allow the slider member 150 to be slid between at least two
positions. For example, the two positions can be a first position
corresponding to a first amount of liquid soap L to be discharged
by the nozzle 28A and a second position corresponding to a second
larger volume of liquid soap L to be discharged by the nozzle 28A.
The housing 152 can be configured to allow the slider member 150 to
be slid between a plurality of steps or continuously along a
defined path to provide continuously proportional signals or a
plurality of steps.
In some embodiments, with the gasket member 124 and lid member 128
in place, the slider member 150 can be configured to extend through
the slot 144 such that a user can conveniently move the slider
member 150 with the lid 128 in place. In some embodiments, the
slider member 150 can be smaller such that a thin object such as a
pen can be inserted into the slot 144 to move the slider member
150.
With continued reference to FIG. 6, when the lid members 126, 128
and gasket member 124 are in place, the chambers 104, 106 can be
substantially sealed and thus protected from the ingress of water
and/or other substances. In some embodiments, as noted above, the
gasket member 124 can be configured to extend downwardly from the
housing 12A such that the gasket member 124 defines the lower-most
portion of the device 10A. The gasket member can provide a foot or
a leg for supporting the device 10A.
Further, in a configuration in which the lower-most edge of the
gasket member 124 can be substantially continuous and smooth, the
gasket member 124 can provide a suction cup-like effect when it is
placed and pressed onto a smooth surface. For example, where the
gasket member 124 is made from a soft or resilient material, by
pressing the device 10A downwardly when it is resting on a smooth
surface, air can be ejected from the space between the lid members
126, 128 and the surface upon which the device 10A is resting. When
the device 10A is released, the slight movement of the device 10A
upwardly can result in suction within that space, thereby creating
a suction cup-like effect. This effect provides a further advantage
in helping to secure or otherwise anchor the device 10A in place on
a counter, which can become wet and/or slippery during this
period.
With reference to FIGS. 7-9, the pump 18A can be configured to be a
reversible pump. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the
pump 18A can be a gear-type pump. This type of a pump can be
operated in forward or reverse modes. In some embodiments, a pump
can provide a compact arrangement and can provide a 90 degree turn
which provides a particularly compact arrangement in the device
10A. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, the outlet 24A of the
reservoir 16A feeds (e.g., directly) into an inlet of the pump 18A.
In the illustrated embodiment, a lower-most surface of the
reservoir 16A defines an upper wall of the pump 18A. Thus, in some
embodiments, the outlet 24A also forms the inlet to the pump 18A. A
gasket 160 can extend around the outlet 24A and be configured to
form a seal with a body of the pump 18A. An outlet 162 of the pump
18A can be connected to an outlet chamber of the pump 18A. In
certain variants, the outlet 162 can be connected to the conduit
26A so as to connect the outlet 162 to the nozzle 28A.
Returning to FIG. 3, the pump chamber 18A can include an outlet
chamber 25A. The outlet chamber 25A can be an area within the pump
in which higher pressures of the viscous fluid are generated during
pump operation, i.e., pressures that are higher than the pressure
at the inlet 24A. Thus, this high pressure area within the pump
drives the viscous fluid out of the pump, through the conduit 26A,
and through the nozzle 28A.
In some embodiments, the dispenser 10A can include a bypass passage
27A connecting the interior of the reservoir 16A with the outlet
chamber 25A. When the pump 18A is not operating, liquid soap L from
the reservoir 16A can flow through the bypass passage 27A, into the
outlet chamber 25A, then into the conduit 26A. When the dispenser
10A is at rest, liquid soap L flows up into the conduit 26A until
it reaches the same height as the level of liquid soap L in the
reservoir 16A. Thus, the pump 18A can remain primed and generally
full of liquid soap, even when the pump 18A is off, or at least
between soap dispensations and/or right before the pump 18A is
turned on.
In some embodiments, the bypass passage 27A can be a hole with a
diameter of at least about 0.4 mm and/or less than or equal to
about 2.1 mm. In some embodiments, the diameter of the hole of the
bypass passage 27A can be in the range of about 0.5 mm to about 2.0
mm. Further, in some embodiments, the diameter of the bypass
passage 27A can be about 0.7 mm to about 0.8 mm.
In some embodiments, the soap pump 10A can be immediately or
rapidly primed without requiring further procedures by simply
filling the reservoir 16A with liquid soap L and waiting a short
amount of time for liquid soap L to flow through the bypass passage
27A, through the outlet chamber 25A and into the discharge conduit
26A as well as through the inlet 24A down into the pump 18A. In
some embodiments, once liquid soap L has flown into these parts of
the system, the pump 18A is fully primed and ready to begin pumping
liquid soap L at any time, without requiring re-priming before the
next use.
During operation of the pump 18A, some pressurized liquid soap L
from the discharge chamber 25A can be discharged out of the outlet
chamber 25A and back into the reservoir 16A. This discharging from
the outlet chamber 25A into the reservoir 16A results in some loss
of efficiency of pump operation. However, when this pump design is
used in conjunction with an anti-drip valve having a low opening
pressure, such as an opening pressure of less than or equal to
about 1 psi (liquid soap in the discharge nozzle 28A having a
pressure 1 psi higher than atmospheric on the outside of the nozzle
28A), the loss of efficiency caused by the bypass passage 27A is
generally equal to or overcome by the lower energy requirements for
pumping the liquid soap L to a pressure much lower than that
required for opening spring-biased type valves. It has been found
that where the valve 28A is configured to open with a pressure of
about 0.3 psi or less, and the diameter of the bypass passage 27A
is within the range of about 0.5 mm to about 2 mm, a 40% loss of
fluid through the bypass passage 27A still requires about the same
amount of energy or results in an overall reduction in energy
required for pumping liquid soap L through the pump 18A to the
lower opening pressure required to open the valve 28A, compared to
valves that are formed of a valve seat and a valve body bias
towards the closed position with a spring.
FIG. 9 illustrates an exploded view of the pump 18A. As shown, the
gear pump 18A can include a pair of gears 170 and a gear pump body
172, from which the outlet 162 extends. The gears 170 can each
include a plurality of teeth 169 (FIG. 9A), which in turn can have
flanks 171 and a tip 177. Each of the teeth 169 can have a tooth
width W1 and a tip width W2, as will be discussed in further detail
below.
The pump body 172 can comprise a generally continuous loop (e.g.,
an oval and/or partially figure-eight-shaped chamber) in which the
gears 170 rotate. This configuration is well known in the art, and
in particular, with regard to devices known as gear pumps. Thus, a
further description of the operation of the gear pump 18A is not
included herein.
The body 172 can include a drive shaft aperture 174. A gasket 176
can be configured to form a seal against the aperture 174 and a
drive shaft 178. One end of the drive shaft 178 can be connected to
a driven sheave 180. The other end of the drive shaft 178 can
extend through the gasket 176, the aperture 174, and engage with
one of the gears 170. In some embodiments, the other of the gears
170 can engage a boss 179.
In some embodiments, a retaining member 182 can be used to retain
the pump body 172 against the lower face of the reservoir 16A. For
example, in the illustrated embodiment, four fasteners 184 extend
through corresponding apertures in the retaining member 182 and
into engaging portions 186 attached to the lower face of the
reservoir 16A.
As shown in FIG. 9A, in some embodiments, the gears 170 can be
meshed within the chamber. Thus, when a shaft 178 is rotated to
rotate one of the gears 170, the other gear 170 is also rotated. As
such, the pump 18A can displace fluid entering the pump body 172
(e.g., through the outlet 24A of the reservoir) and discharge the
fluid through the outlet 162. FIG. 9A also shows that the pump body
172 can include an opening 163. In some embodiments, the opening
163 can be in fluid communication with the outlet 24A of the
reservoir 16A, thereby allowing liquid soap L to flow into the pump
body 172 via the opening 163. As shown, in certain implementations,
the opening 163 can be positioned in the top of the body 172. In
some embodiments, a centerline of the opening 163 can be
substantially parallel with an axis of rotation of at least one of
the gears 170. In some embodiments, the opening 163 can be directly
coupled with the outlet 24A of the reservoir 16A.
With reference again to FIG. 6, the sheave 180 defines a part of
the transmitter 50A. The actuator 34A can include a drive sheave
190 configured to drive the driven sheave 180 through a flexible
transmitter 192. The flexible transmitter 192 can be any type of
flexible transmitter, such as those well known in this art. For
example, the flexible transmitter 192 can be a toothed belt, rubber
belt, chain, etc.
With reference to FIG. 10, another embodiment of a soap dispenser
is identified generally by the reference numeral 10B. Some of the
components of the dispenser 10B can be the same, similar, or
identical to the corresponding components of the dispensers 10
and/or 10A discussed above. Some of these corresponding components
are identified with the same reference numeral, except that a "B"
has been added thereto and/or has replaced the "A" which was added
thereto.
The dispenser 10B can include a housing 12B, which in turn can
include a lower portion 100B, reservoir 16B, pump 18B, and a nozzle
28B. In certain implementations, the pump 18B and the nozzle 28B
can be in fluid communication via a conduit 26B (see FIG. 12A). In
some embodiments, the nozzle 28B extends outwardly from a periphery
comprising the lower portion 100B. For example, as shown, the
housing 12B can include a cantilevered portion that includes the
nozzle 28B. In certain configurations, the nozzle 28B can be
positioned such that any soap that would drip from the nozzle 28B
would avoid contacting the housing 12B.
In some embodiments, such as shown in FIGS. 10-12A, the nozzle 28B
projects from the housing 12B. For example, the nozzle 28B can be
mounted on the exterior of the housing 12B of the soap pump 10B. In
some embodiments, the nozzle 28B can be mounted partially within or
completely within the housing of the soap pump 10B. Further, in the
implementation depicted, the nozzle 28B can be positioned
substantially vertically (e.g., a longitudinal axis of the nozzle
forms a substantially right angle with a plane on which the
dispenser rests). Such a configuration can, for example, facilitate
(e.g., by force of gravity) outflow of the soap from the nozzle
28B. In some implementations, the nozzle 28B can be positioned at
another angle. For example, the nozzle 28B can be positioned so as
to dispense soap horizontally (e.g., substantially parallel to a
plane on which the soap pump 10B rests).
With reference to FIGS. 13-16, the nozzle 28B generally includes a
one-way valve 200, which can be in the form of a flap-type valve.
Such a configuration can, for example, reduce the likelihood that
air or contaminants may enter the valve 200, which could lead to
improper soap flow from the nozzle 28B and/or drying of soap
disposed in the nozzle 28B. Of course, other types and/or
configurations of one-way valve are contemplated, such as flap
valves, ball valves, diaphragm valve, lift valves, other kinds of
check valves, and the like.
In some embodiments, the nozzle 28B can include an inlet collar 210
with an interior passage 212 having inlet end 214 and an outlet end
216. The valve 200 can be formed with at least a deflectable member
218, such as a flap. In some embodiments, the deflectable member
218 can be configured to move toward an open position (illustrated
in phantom) when a pressure condition is satisfied. The pressure
differential (compared to the ambient pressure acting on an
exterior surface of the nozzle 28B) at which the deflectable member
218 begins to move toward the open position, and thus the nozzle
28B begins to open, can be referred to as the "cracking pressure."
In some embodiments, the cracking pressure can be at least about
0.2 psi and/or equal to or less than about 0.3 psi. In some
embodiments, the cracking pressure is less than or equal to about
0.4 psi.
In the illustrated embodiment, the valve 200 includes two slanted
deflectable members 218, 220 that form an acute angle with each
other. Such a configuration is sometimes referred to as a "duckbill
valve". However, a duckbill valve is merely one type of deflectable
member valves that can be used as the nozzle 28B.
The valve 200 can be formed from any flexible material, For
example, the valve 200 can be made of nitrile, nitrile rubber,
fluorosilicone, fluorosilicone rubber, ethylene propylene, ethylene
propylene diene monomer rubber, silicone, silicone rubber,
hydrogenated nitrile rubber, hydrogenated nitrile butadiene rubber,
butyl rubber, isobutylene isoprene rubber, fluorocarbon rubber,
polyisoprene, industrial rubber, natural rubber, epichlorohydrin,
chloroprene, polyurethane, polyurethane, polyether urethane,
styrene-butadiene, styrene-butadiene rubber, polyacrylate acrylic,
polyacrylate rubber, ethylene acrylic rubber, combinations thereof,
or other materials. Some such duckbill valves are commercially
available from Vernay Laboratories, Inc., of Yellow Springs, Ohio.
In some embodiments, one or both of the deflectable members 218,
220 have a thickness of at least 0.4 mm and/or equal to or less
than 0.8 mm. In certain instances, one or both of the deflectable
members 218, 220 have a thickness of at least about 0.6 mm.
The valve 200 can include a seal formed between the deflectable
members 218, 220. For example, in certain embodiments the
deflectable members 218, 220 form a substantially airtight seal
therebetween. Some embodiments of the deflectable members 218, 220
form a substantially liquid-tight seal therebetween. Some
embodiments have deflectable members 218, 220 that form a seal that
is sufficient to inhibit the passage of viscous soap therebetween.
In certain embodiments, the valve 200 can be configured to inhibit
the passage of viscous soap yet permit an amount of ambient air to
pass through the valve 200 (e.g., and into the interior of the
dispenser 10B). Such a configuration can, for example, reduce the
incidence of a pressure differential between the ambient
environment and components of the dispenser 10B. For example,
certain configurations allow an amount of ambient air to enter the
reservoir 16B, thereby avoiding the maintenance of a pressure
differential between the ambient environment and the reservoir 16B,
which could inhibit opening of the reservoir 16B, e.g., in order to
deposit liquid soap into the reservoir.
In some embodiments, the duckbill valve aids in the dispensation of
soap, reduces wear, and/or facilitates priming of the dispenser
10B. For example, certain other anti-drip valves have a valve seat
and a valve body that is pressed against the valve seat to prevent
dripping when the pump is not operating. However, such valves can
require a significant pressure (e.g., 2.5 to 3 psi) in the liquid
soap before the spring biased valve body will move away from the
valve seat to allow liquid soap to flow out. Generating such liquid
soap pressure can require a significant amount of electrical
energy. In contrast, some duckbill-type embodiments of the valve
200 can be configured to open (e.g., deflect one or both of the
deflectable members 218, 220) at much lower pressures, such as less
than or equal to 0.2 psi and/or greater than or equal to 0.3 psi.
As such, certain embodiments of the valve 200 require less
electrical energy usage per dispensation, which in turn can prolong
the operational life of batteries (or other electrochemical or
other electrical energy storage devices) in embodiments of the
dispenser 10B so powered. Further, as the actuating pressure is
reduced, some embodiments of the valve 200 reduce the wear on the
motor 34, pump 18B, and/or other components of the dispenser
10B.
In some embodiments, the reduced actuating pressure of the valve
200 can facilitate priming of the dispenser 10B. In certain other
types of valves, during priming of the pump, air present in a pipe
connecting the pump and the valve is trapped between the valve and
the leading edge of the flow of soap being urged through the pipe.
In some such instances, the air is compressed to the actuating
pressure of the valve (which, as indicated above, can be relatively
high) and expelled out of the valve in a rush, which can cause the
air or soap located in the valve to be ejected in an uncontrolled
or otherwise undesirable manner (e.g., in a sputter). In contrast,
the reduced actuating pressure of the valve 200 can reduce the
amount that air in the conduit 26B is compressed prior to the valve
200 opening, and thus can reduce or avoid such an uncontrolled or
undesirable dispensation during priming.
Certain implementations of the valve 200 can reduce or avoid
sticking problems found in certain other valve configurations. For
example, in valves including a valve body that is pressed against a
valve seat, a thin film of soap between the body and seat can
encourage the body and seat to stick to each other (e.g., the thin
film of soap can act as an adhesive), which can inhibit or prevent
the valve from opening. Such an issue can be especially prevalent
in designs in which the valve body must move generally against the
flow of soap in order for the valve to open. In contrast, certain
embodiments of the valve 200 are opened by deflecting the
deflectable members 218, 220 an acute angle with respect to the
direction of the flow of soap through the valve 200. Further, as
certain embodiments of the valve 200 do not include a spring
pressing a valve body against a valve seat with a thin film of soap
therebetween, the occurrence, or at least the degree, of sticking
can be reduced or avoided.
FIG. 13 illustrates the valve 200 in a closed position, e.g., the
deflectable members 218, 220 are in contact with each other thereby
substantially closing the outlet end 216 so as to resist the
outflow of soap in most circumstances of normal use until the valve
200 is opened. In contrast, FIG. 13A illustrates the valve 200 in
an open position, e.g., the deflectable members 218, 220 have moved
apart from each other, thereby opening a channel between the
deflectable members 218, 220 through which fluid can flow. For
example, in the open state, soap can pass from the inlet 214 and
through the outlet 216, such as to be dispensed to a user's hands.
As shown, the valve 200 can be opened by applying force on the
valve 200 along an axis generally parallel with a line formed by
the interface of the deflectable members 218, 220. Although FIG.
13A illustrates the valve 200 being squeezed, and thereby opened,
by the fingers of a human hand, in the dispenser 10B, the valve 200
is typically opened in other ways, such as by pressurized liquid
soap acting against the deflectable members 218, 220.
In a first state, such as when the pump 18B is not operating,
ambient pressure acts against the outer surfaces of the deflectable
members 218, 220, thereby pressing them toward each other and
closing the outlet 216 of the valve 200. Such closure of the outlet
can, for example, inhibit or prevent liquid soap L within the
nozzle 28B from leaking past the deflectable members 218, 220, for
example, under the influence of gravity. In a second state, such as
when the pump 18B operates, liquid soap L is encouraged toward the
inlet 214, which in turn generates pressure within the liquid soap
L in the nozzle 28B. When the pressure of the soap in the nozzle
28B is greater than or equal to the cracking pressure of the valve
200, the liquid soap L can deflect the deflectable member 218, 220
and thereby be discharged out of the nozzle 28B. In some
embodiments, the cracking pressure of the valve 200 can be at least
about 0.2 psi and/or less than or equal about 0.3 psi greater than
atmospheric pressure of the environment in which the dispenser 10B
is located. In some embodiments, the cracking pressure can be at
least about 0.3 and/or equal to or less than about 0.5 psi. FIGS.
15 and 16 illustrate some configurations in which the valve 200 can
be applied to the dispenser 10B. FIG. 15 illustrates a straight
connection configuration. In some such embodiments, the collar 210
of the valve 200 can fit over the outer surface of a liquid soap
pipe 230, which can be in fluid communication with the reservoir
16B and/or the pump 18B. In some configurations, the collar 210 and
the pipe 230 mate in substantially liquid-tight engagement to
resist soap leakage. Thus, in certain embodiments, liquid soap L
can pass from the reservoir 16B and/or the pump 18B, through the
pipe 230, and be discharged out of the valve 200 in a direction
generally parallel with the longitudinal axis of the conduit
230.
FIG. 16 illustrates a curved or angled connection between the valve
200 and the liquid soap dispensing system (e.g., a substantially
90.degree. configuration). In some embodiments, an angled member
240 (e.g., an elbow, curve, angle, or otherwise) includes an inlet
end 242 and an outlet end 244. The inlet end 242 of the angled
member 240 can be connected to a fluid supply source 246, which can
be in fluid communication with the reservoir 16B and/or the pump
18B. In some embodiments, the longitudinal axis of the inlet end
242 can be angled (e.g., at least: about 15.degree., about
30.degree., about 60.degree., about 90.degree., values
therebetween, and otherwise) relative to the outlet end 244 of the
angled member 240. Thus, when the nozzle 28B is attached to the
outlet 244 of the angled member 240, soap can be discharged through
the valve 200 at an angle (e.g., about 90.degree.) relative to the
inlet 242.
In some embodiments, the angled member 240 can include a mounting
member, such as a flange 250. In the illustrated embodiment, the
flange 250 includes an aperture 252. In some implementations, a
fastener 254 (such as a threaded fastener, rivet, boss, hook, or
otherwise) can be used to attach the angled member 240 and the
housing 12B of the soap dispenser 10B.
FIG. 17 illustrates another embodiment of a nozzle 28C, which can
be installed in the housing 12B. In some embodiments, the nozzle
28C protrudes from the housing 12B. For example, in certain
embodiments, the nozzle 28C can be at least partly visible to an
observer outside the dispenser. In some embodiments, the nozzle 28C
can be oriented such that the nozzle outlet 375 is generally
perpendicular to a front-to-back axis 114 (also illustrated in FIG.
4) of the housing 12B. In certain embodiments, the nozzle outlet
375 may be oriented such that it is not perpendicular to the axis
114.
With reference to FIGS. 18 and 19, the nozzle 28C can be in the
form of a valve 300. As noted above, such a configuration is
sometimes referred to as a "duckbill valve." In some embodiments,
the valve 300 can include an inlet collar 310, deflectable members
318, 320, and a valve flange 350. In some embodiments, the valve
flange 350 can have one or more first positioners, such as an
indentation 335. For example, as illustrated in FIGS. 18 and 19,
the indentation 335 can be a single indentation. In some
embodiments, the indentation 335 comprises a plurality of
indentations. As shown, some embodiments of the inlet collar 310
can be cylindrically shaped. Some embodiments of inlet collar 310
have various other shapes, such as rectangular or triangular
prismatic.
FIGS. 17-19 illustrate the deflectable members 318, 320 in a
generally closed position. In some variants, when the pump 18 is
not operating, the deflectable members 318, 320 can be pressed
together, thereby closing the valve 300 and inhibiting or
preventing liquid soap L in the nozzle 28C from leaking past the
deflectable members 318, 320 (e.g., by the influence of gravity).
In certain implementations, one or both of the deflectable members
318, 320 can be biased toward the other, thereby pressing the
deflectable members 318, 320 together when the pump 18 is not
operating. In some embodiments, the deflectable members 318, 320
atmospheric pressure acts against the outer surfaces of the
deflectable members 318, 320 to press the deflectable members 318,
320 together.
When the pump 18 operates and generates sufficient pressure within
the liquid soap L in the nozzle 28C, the liquid soap L can open the
nozzle 28C by deflecting the deflectable members 318, 320, thereby
discharging the liquid soap from the nozzle 28C. As previously
noted, the pressure differential (compared to ambient atmospheric
pressure) at which the nozzle 28C begins to open can be referred to
as the "cracking pressure." In some embodiments, the cracking
pressure required to discharge the liquid soap L from the nozzle
28C can be at least about 0.2 psi and/or equal to or less than
about 0.3 psi above atmospheric pressure. In some embodiments, the
cracking pressure required to discharge the liquid soap L from the
nozzle 28C can be at least about 0.3 and/or equal to or less than
about 0.5 psi.
FIGS. 20 and 21 illustrate a configuration in which the valve 300
can be applied to a liquid soap dispensing system. FIG. 20
illustrates the valve 300 and an angled member 340, such as an
elbow of about 90.degree., in an unconnected state. As shown, the
angled member 340 can include an inlet end 342 and an outlet end
344. The inlet end 342 can be connected to a fluid supply source
346, which can be in fluid communication with the reservoir 16B
and/or pump 18B. The outlet end 344 of the angled member 340 can
engage with the valve 300. In some embodiments, the angled member
340 can include a flange 360. The flange 360 can include one or
more second positioners, such as protrusions 370.
As illustrated in the embodiment shown in FIG. 21, the valve 300
can be oriented such that the indentation 335 in the nozzle flange
350 generally aligns with the protrusion 370 on the flange 360. In
this embodiment, the protrusion 370 can engage with and/or be
received by the indentation 335. Such a configuration can, for
example, inhibit or prevent rotation of the valve 300 with respect
to the outlet end 344 of the angled member 340. Further, in some
embodiments, the indentation 335 can ease manufacturing of the
dispenser 10B, as the indentation 335 can facilitate orientation of
the nozzle 28B with regard to the remainder of the dispenser 10B,
thereby facilitating assembly. For example, some configurations of
the indentation 335 orient the nozzle 28C such that the line of
contact between the deflectable members 318, 320 can be
substantially transverse to the axis 114, which can facilitate
dispensing soap into a user's hands in a desired pattern.
In some implementations, the pump 18 and/or actuator 34 can be
configured to temporarily (e.g., for less than or equal to about a
second) reverse the flow of soap. For example, in embodiments
having a gear pump, the rotation of the gears can be temporarily
reversed, thereby drawing soap from the nozzle back toward the
reservoir. Such a configuration can, for example, facilitate
closing of the nozzle 28C. For instance, in embodiments having the
valve 300 with first and second deflectable members 318, 320, such
reversal of flow can encourage closing of the valve 300. Indeed, in
implementations, reversal of flow can reduce the delay that between
the intended cessation of dispensation of soap and the actual
cessation of dispensation of soap from the nozzle 28C. In some
embodiments, reversing the flow of soap encourages a tight seal
between the first and second deflectable members 318, 320.
As shown in FIG. 22, in some embodiments, the housing 12B can have
an opening 332 in which the nozzle 28C can be at least partly
received. In some embodiments, the opening 332 of the housing 12B
can include a leak inhibiting structure, such as an annular
protrusion 390. In some embodiments, the nozzle flange 350 of the
nozzle 28C can be pressed against the annular protrusion 390,
thereby creating a substantially liquid-tight seal. The opening 332
of the housing 12B can comprise a positioning structure, such as a
ridge 393. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 22, the ridge 393 can
include an orienting structure, such as a recess 387. In certain
arrangements, the housing 12B includes one or more other apertures
333, such as a sensor device, as was discussed in further detail
above.
FIG. 23 shows the housing 12B from FIG. 22 as well as the assembled
nozzle 28C and angled member 340 of FIG. 21. The recess 387 in the
ridge 393 can be sized to accept the inlet end 342 of the angled
member 340 when at least a portion of the angled member 340 and the
nozzle 28C can be inserted into the opening 332 of the housing 12B.
The recess 387 can, for example, inhibit or prevent the angled
member 340 from rotating with respect to the housing 12B. In some
embodiments, a combination of the recess 387 of the ridge 393 and
the indentation 335 and protrusion 370 of the assembled nozzle 28C
and angled member 340 can inhibit or prevent the nozzle 28C from
rotating with respect to the housing 12B. FIG. 23A shows the
assembled nozzle 28C and angled member 340 in an installed position
in the housing 12B.
In some embodiments of the nozzle 28C, the geometry of the
deflectable flap members 318, 320 can be designed to increase the
cracking pressure necessary to open the nozzle outlet 375 of the
nozzle 28C. Configurations like these can, for example, allow the
valve 300 to withstand higher internal pressures before permitting
a flow of fluid therethrough. Such an increased cracking pressure
is desirable in certain applications (e.g., when some or all of the
reservoir 16 is positioned higher than the nozzle 28C). In some
instances, an increased cracking pressure facilitates faster and/or
increased disbursement of soap.
With reference to FIGS. 24 and 25A, in some embodiments, the
deflectable members 318, 320 have biasing features, such as
recesses 329, 331. Thus, in certain embodiments, the deflectable
members 318, 320 have a generally hourglass shape in an end view.
In some embodiments, the deflectable members 318, 320 with the
recesses 329, 331 exhibit an increase in the bias between the
deflectable members 318, 320 compared to deflectable members
without such recesses. In some embodiments, the deflectable members
318, 320 can be configured such that the concavity the recesses
329, 331 produces or increases the bias of the deflectable members
318, 320 against each other.
In some embodiments of the nozzle 28C, the geometry of the
deflectable members 318, 320 can be configured to decrease the
cracking pressure needed to open the nozzle outlet 375 of the
nozzle 28C. For example, the recesses 329, 331 can be configured
such that they reduce the thickness of the deflectable members 318,
320 at about the midpoint of the outlet 375 as compared to other
regions of the outlet 375 without greatly increasing the radius of
concavity. As a result, in certain such implementations, the
cracking pressure necessary to open the nozzle outlet 375 of the
nozzle 28C may be reduced.
As shown in FIG. 25B, some embodiments of the nozzle 28C include
one or more deformation-facilitating members, such as notches 337,
339, in the sides of the nozzle outlet 375. Notches 337, 339 can
reduce the compressive force in the material in the vicinity of the
notches 337, 339. Thus, the notches 337, 339 can allow the sides of
the nozzle outlet 375 to deform more easily, thereby facilitating
opening of the outlet 375. In some arrangements, the notches 337,
339 resiliently deform during the period that the outlet 375 is
open, e.g., opposite sides of the notches can move toward each
other. In certain such cases, the resiliently deformed notches 337,
339 can provide or increase a biasing effect, which can facilitate
the nozzle outlet 375 returning to its original shape when the
pressure on the soap (e.g., from the pump) eases. Such a
configuration can, for example, allow the nozzle outlet 375 to
close more quickly when the pump 18B ceases operation. FIG. 25B
illustrates an example of this concept in which the opening of the
nozzle outlet 375 causes the notches 337, 339 to reduce in size as
the material surrounding the notches 337, 339 compresses.
FIG. 25C illustrates a configuration wherein both notches 337, 339
and concave recesses 329, 331 can be utilized for the nozzle outlet
375. In some embodiments, the concave recesses 329, 331 in the
deflectable members 318, 320 produce or increase the bias of the
deflectable members 318, 320 to a closed position. Indeed, in
certain such instances, the concave recesses 329, 331 increase the
cracking pressure of the nozzle 28C. However, when the cracking
pressure is reached and the outlet 375 begins to open, the notches
337, 339 can facilitate such opening by reducing compressive forces
and/or interference of material on the side of the nozzle 28C.
Moreover, the resilient deflection of the notches 337, 339 can be
biased to return to their original, undeflected position, thereby
promoting closing of the opening. In certain such embodiments,
closing of the nozzle opening 375 is further promoted by the
previously described bias of the deflectable members 318, 320.
With regard to FIG. 26, a top front perspective and partial
cross-sectional view of the dispenser 10B is illustrated. As
previously discussed, the dispenser 10B includes the reservoir 16B
and pump 18B. As shown, the reservoir 16B can include an outlet
24B, which can be in fluid communication with the pump 18B. Thus,
soap can flow between the reservoir 16B and the outlet 24B (e.g.,
by force of gravity). As discussed in further detail above, the
pump 18B can drive the soap to the nozzle 28B via the conduit 26B,
in order to be dispensed as desired.
As shown in FIGS. 27-29A, the pump 18B can include a pump body 272
having an outlet 262 and an inlet 263. In certain embodiments, the
pump body 272 includes an upper member 264 and a lower member 265.
Typically, the members 264, 265 can be configured to mate together
(e.g., with adhesive, fasteners, a snap fit connection, or
otherwise). The pump body 272 can have one or more arms 266 or the
like that can be configured to, for example, facilitate mounting
the pump body 272 in the housing 12B. Various materials can be used
to form the pump body 272, such as metal, plastic, or otherwise. In
some embodiments, the pump body 272 comprises a polymer, such as a
polypropelene, polyoxymethylene, Delrin.RTM., or otherwise.
In some embodiments, the pump body 272 houses a driven gear 270 and
a slave gear 270'. In certain variants, the gears 270, 270' can be
substantially identical. In some embodiments, the gears 270, 270'
are not identical. In certain implementations, the gears 270, 270'
can be configured to rotate in an oval and/or partially
figure-eight-shaped space. As shown, certain embodiments of the
pump body 272 include a chamber 273 in communication with the inlet
263. The chamber 273 can, for example, provide a staging location
for liquid soap L between the reservoir 16B and the gears 270,
270'.
In certain implementations, a seal (e.g., made of rubber, silicone,
or otherwise) can be positioned between the upper and lower members
264, 265. Such a configuration can, for example, inhibit soap
leaking from the pump body 272 and/or reduce the likelihood of air
infiltrating the pump body 272 (which in turn could lead to drying
of the soap and impede the operation of the pump 18B). In some
embodiments, the seal can be generally positioned along the
periphery of the pump body 272.
Similar to the discussion above in connection with FIG. 9, in some
embodiments, the pump body 272 includes a drive shaft aperture 274
(not shown). A gasket 276 (not shown) can be configured to form a
seal against the aperture 274 and a drive shaft 278. One end of the
drive shaft 278 can be connected to a driven sheave 280. The other
end of the drive shaft 278 can extend through the gasket 276, the
aperture 274, and engage with one of the driven gear 270. In some
embodiments, the slave gear 270' can engage a boss 279.
In certain implementations, the pump body aperture or opening 263
of the pump body 272 can be in fluid communication with the
reservoir 16, thereby allowing liquid soap L to flow into the pump
body 272 via the opening 263. However, in certain arrangements, air
can be present in the pump body 272. For example, air is generally
present in the pump body 272 during or at least before priming of
the pump. In some cases, air can form a bubble that is retained in
the pump body 272 and may interfere with the ability of liquid soap
L to flow into the pump body 272. Such interference can be
exacerbated if the opening 263 is too small to allow the bubble to
escape (e.g., due to surface tension and frictional forces). Thus,
in some embodiments, the opening 263 can be configured to allow air
in the pump body 272 to escape. For example, the opening 263 can be
configured (e.g., can have a sufficient size and shape) to allow a
bubble formed by air present in the pump body 272 to readily pass
through the opening 263, such as during priming of the pump. For
example, in some embodiments, the cross-sectional area of the
opening 263 (e.g., taken generally in the plane of dimensions 293,
294 (see FIG. 29A)) can be generally about the same size as, or can
be larger than, or can be substantially larger than, the
cross-sectional area of the upper region of the gear 270, or of a
tooth 269 of the gear 270, and/or of a hole 267 of the gear 270 for
receiving the drive shaft 278. In some implementations, the pump
body 272 is configured so as to facilitate the flow of the liquid
soap L through the opening 263. In certain embodiments, the opening
263 is configured so as to not retain an air bubble in the pump
body 272.
In some embodiments, the opening 263 can be configured to
facilitate the liquid soap L flowing into the staging chamber, such
as by force of gravity. As the liquid soap L generally can be
rather viscous (e.g., between about 100 and about 2,500
centipoise), the surface tension of the liquid soap L may allow the
soap to resist the force of gravity in certain arrangements. For
example, when certain kinds of liquid soap are disposed directly
over a hole, the surface tension of the soap may be sufficient to
counteract the effect of gravity acting to urge the soap through
the hole. In a soap dispenser, such a configuration can result in
the soap being inhibited from reaching the pump, which can result
in, for example, difficulty in priming the pump, reduced soap
dispensation volume, and/or increased pump wear.
Certain embodiments of the pump dispenser 10B can be configured to
reduce the likelihood of, or avoid, such surface tension issues.
For example, in some implementations, the opening 263 can be
sufficiently sized and shaped so as to facilitate gravity
overcoming the surface tension of the soap. In certain variants, a
first dimension 293 (e.g., a distance generally parallel with a
centerline of the outlet 262) of the opening 263 can be greater
than or equal to about: 5 mm, 6 mm, 7 mm, 8 mm, 9 mm, 10 mm, 11 mm,
12 mm, 13 mm, 14 mm, 15 mm, 16 mm, 17 mm, 18 mm, 19 mm, 20 mm,
values in between, or otherwise. In some implementations, a second
dimension 294 (e.g., a distance generally perpendicular to the
centerline of the outlet 262) of the opening 263 can be greater
than or equal to about: 5 mm, 6 mm, 7 mm, 8 mm, 9 mm, 10 mm, 11 mm,
12 mm, 13 mm, 14 mm, 15 mm, 16 mm, 17 mm, 18 mm, 19 mm, 20 mm,
values in between, or otherwise. In certain embodiments, the first
dimension 293 of the opening 263 can be greater than the second
dimension 294 of the opening 263. For example, the ratio of the
first dimension 293 to the second dimension 294 can be at least
about three to about two. In some embodiments, the ratio of the
first dimension 293 to the second dimension 294 can be about two to
about one. In certain variants of the opening 263, the ratio of the
first dimension 293 to the second dimension 294 can be at least
about five to about four. In some variants, the sum of the first
and second dimensions 293 and 294 can be greater than or equal to
about: 10 mm, 12 mm, 14 mm, 16 mm, 18 mm, 20 mm, 25 mm, 30 mm, 35
mm, 40 mm, 45 mm, 50 mm, 55 mm, 60 mm, values in between, or
otherwise. In some implementations, the opening 263 can be
configured to receive a cylinder with a diameter that can be
greater than or equal to about: 4 mm, 6 mm, 8 mm, 10 mm, 12 mm, 14
mm, 16 mm, 18 mm, 20 mm, values in between, or otherwise.
In certain embodiments, the opening 263 opens directly into the
chamber 273. In some embodiments, the opening 263 opens directly
into a second chamber 273' (see FIG. 32) that houses the gears 270,
270'. Such a configuration can, for example, facilitate the liquid
soap L flowing into contact with the gears 270, 270', which in turn
can facilitate priming of the dispenser 10B. In some variants, when
the pump body 272 is viewed from a top plan view, a portion of at
least one of the gears 270, 270' is visible though the opening
263.
Some methods of priming the dispenser 10B include providing the
liquid soap L in fluid communication with the pump body 272 and
allowing air (e.g., some or all) in the pump body 272 to escape the
pump body 272. For example, some embodiments are configured to
allow the air to escape from the pump body 272 via the opening 263.
As previously noted, the opening 263 can be configured to inhibit
or avoid the formation and/or trapping of an air bubble that would
obstruct (e.g., partially or totally) the opening 263. Certain
implementations can be configured so as to allow some or all of the
air to escape from the pump body 272 via other apertures (e.g.,
apertures in the sides of the top, bottom, and/or sides of the pump
body 272. Some embodiments are configured such that some or all of
the air can escape from the pump body 272 via the outlet 262. Some
embodiments of the method of priming include allowing the liquid
soap L to enter the pump body 272. In certain embodiments, the
liquid soap L can be at a higher elevation than some or all of the
pump body 272, which can facilitate the liquid soap L being drawn
into the pump body 272 by force of gravity.
Certain configurations of the opening 263 can, for example,
facilitate the passage of air (e.g., a bubble) through the opening
263, thereby facilitating equilibrium between the pump 18 and the
reservoir 16B and/or assisting in priming the pump 18. In some
embodiments, the opening 263 can have a generally triangular shape.
In some embodiments, the opening 263 can have a generally square,
elliptical, circular, rectangular, or other regular or irregular
polygonal shape. As illustrated in FIG. 29A, in certain
embodiments, the opening 263 can include a sloped or angled surface
(e.g., about 45.degree.) that is wider in cross-section near the
exterior than near the interior of the pump body 272. For example,
in some variants, an inner periphery of the opening 263 is not
coplanar with an outer periphery of the opening 263.
As illustrated in FIGS. 28 and 29, some embodiments include a
flexible cushion 227 (e.g., made of rubber, silicone, foam, or
otherwise), that can be positioned on, over, or along some or all
of the upper member 264 of the pump body 272. Such a configuration
can, for example, reduce the amount of noise from the pump 18B that
is emitted into the ambient environment. In some embodiments, the
cushion 227 can be configured to reduce, inhibit, or prevent the
transmission of vibration from the pump body 272 to other portions
of the dispenser (e.g., the reservoir 16B or otherwise) or the
surface on which the dispenser rests (e.g., a countertop). In
certain embodiments, the cushion 227 can be configured to
substantially conform to the shape of the pump body 272. As shown,
the cushion can include a void configured to correspond with the
opening 163. In certain embodiments, the cushion 227 can include
notched projections 227' configured to correspond with the arms
266, which can, e.g., provide clearance for a fastener.
As previously discussed, the pump body 272 can include gears 270,
270', which can be configured to matingly engage. As will be
discussed in further detail below, certain embodiments can be
configured to enhance the mating engagement of the gears 270, 270',
which in turn can provide increased pumping power (e.g., the
pressure generated by the mating of the gears 270, 270') and/or
increase efficiency (e.g., by reducing the amount of soap that
passes between the gears and back into the chamber 273).
With regard to FIGS. 30 and 31, an embodiment of the driven gear
270 is illustrated. Typically, the slave gear 270' is substantially
similar or identical to the driven gear 270. As shown, the driven
gear 270 can include a hole 267 (e.g., to receive the drive shaft
278) and a central portion 268 with a plurality of teeth 269 around
the periphery. In certain implementations, adjacent teeth 269 can
be separated by a root 281. In some embodiments, the root 281 can
have a root radius R1, which can reduce stress concentrations,
facilitate mating of the gears 270, or otherwise. In some
embodiments, each of the teeth 269 can include a base 259, flanks
271, and a tip 277.
In certain embodiments, one or more of the teeth 269 can include a
tooth width W1. The tooth width W1 is generally determined at the
widest part of the tooth. In some embodiments, such as illustrated
in FIG. 31, the tooth width W1 is determined at a location
intermediate the base 259 and the tip 277. In some embodiments,
such as in the frustoconically shaped tooth shown in FIG. 31A, the
first width W1 is determined at or near the base 259.
Each of the teeth 269 can further include a tip width W2. The tip
width W2 is generally the distance between the radially-outward end
of the flanks 271. In some embodiments, the tip 277 comprises a
relatively flat section (see FIGS. 9 and 31A) and the tip width W2
can be about the distance of this flat section. Typically, W2 is
less than or equal to about W1. For example, in some embodiments,
W2 can be less than or equal to: about 1/4 of W1. In some
embodiments, the ratio of W2 to W1 can be about 1:5, about 1:7.5,
about 1:10, about 1:12.5, about 1:15, about 1:20, about 1:25, about
1:30, about 1:35, about 1:40, values in between, or otherwise.
In some embodiments, such as is shown in FIG. 31, the tip 277 is a
section that is pointed (e.g., rounded, chamfered, or the like). In
some such embodiments, the tip width W2 can be the distance between
the respective locations in which the radially-outward end of the
flank 271 terminates and the radius, chamfer, or the like begins.
For example, in embodiments that have a tip 277 with a tip radius
R2, the tip width W2 is typically about twice the tip radius
R2.
In some embodiments, the tip radius R2 of the tip 277 can be less
than the root radius R1. Such a configuration can, for example,
provide a pointed tip 277 and facilitate engagement of the teeth
269 during operation of the pump 18B. In some embodiments, the tip
radius R2 can be less than or equal to: about 1/2 of the root
radius R1, about 1/3 of the root radius R1, about 1/4 of the root
radius R1, about 1/8 of the root radius R1, about 1/10 of the root
radius R1, about 1/16 of the root radius R1, about 1/20 of the root
radius R1, about 1/30 of the root radius R1, about 1/40 of the root
radius R1, about 1/50 of the root radius R1, values in between, or
otherwise.
In certain embodiments, the tip 277 forms a substantially sharp or
pointed peak. For example, in some embodiments, a slanted left side
of a tooth and a generally oppositely slanted right side of the
tooth can each converge at approximately the same point on the end
of the tooth. In some embodiments, the tip radius R2 can be less
than or equal to: about 0.5 mm, about 0.4 mm, about 0.3 mm, about
0.2 mm, about 0.1 mm, about 0.05 mm, about zero, values in between,
or otherwise. Certain conventional wisdom discouraged the use of
gears having substantially sharp and/or pointed tips because, for
example, such tips could be prone to breaking. Further,
substantially sharp and/or pointed tips could be thought to wear
more quickly than tips that are flattened.
However, employing gears with substantially sharp and/or pointed
tips in a soap dispenser can provide substantial benefits. For
example, the tip 277 being pointed can, for example, increase the
pumping ability (e.g., the pressure generated by the mating of the
gears 270, 270') of the pump 18B. As shown in FIG. 32, the gears
270, 270' of the pump 18B can be configured to rotate into contact
with, or very close to, one another. Typically, as the gears
engage, the volume between the tip 277 of one gear and the root 281
of the other gear decreases. Such a decrease in volume can result
in an increased pressure area 257, which in turn can encourage
fluid (e.g., soap) to flow toward the outlet 262. In general, the
more fully the teeth 269 of the gears 270, 270' engage each other,
the greater the increase in pressure in the area 257. In certain
embodiments, gears with teeth 269 having pointed tips 277 more
fully engage (e.g., have a greater percent of contact with) the
mating teeth compared to, for example, gears with teeth 269 having
flat tips 277. For example, certain embodiments of the pointed tips
277 project further toward the root 281 than the flat tips 277. At
least due to such increased engagement, certain embodiments of the
gears 270, 270' having teeth 269 with pointed tip 277 can
facilitate increasing the pressure in the increased pressure area
257.
In some instances, a pointed tip 277 can increase the efficiency of
the pump 18B. In embodiments having a flat tip 277, soap can be
trapped or otherwise disposed between the flat tip 277 of one gear
and the root 281 of the mating gear, which can result in soap being
carried through the mating portion of the gears 270, 270' and back
into the chamber 273, rather than the soap being expelled out the
pump outlet 262. In contrast, a pointed tip 277 can allow the gears
270, 270' to more fully engage. For example, the pointed tip 277
can reduce the volume available for soap to be present between the
tip 277 of one gear and the root 281 of the mating gear tip 277.
Thus, the likelihood and/or the volume of soap carried through the
mating portion of the gears 270, 270' and back into the chamber 273
can be reduced, thereby increasing the efficiency of the pump
18B.
As previously noted, the pump body 272 can include the chamber 273,
which can be in communication with inlet 263. Further, in some
embodiments, the pump body 272 can include the second chamber 273'.
The second chamber 273' can house the gears 270, 270' and can be in
communication with the inlet 262, outlet 262, and/or chamber 273.
As shown in FIG. 32, in certain embodiments, together the chambers
273, 273' form an overall figure-eight shape. Such a configuration
can, for example, provide space for staging soap in the pump body
272 and space for housing and operation of the gears. In some
embodiments, the chamber 273 can be smaller than the second chamber
273'. In certain implementations, the chamber 273 can hold less
soap than the second chamber 273'. In some embodiments, the chamber
273 can hold about as much soap as the second chamber 273'.
In some embodiments, the passage between the chamber 273 and the
second chamber 273' can be configured such that the liquid soap L
can readily pass therethrough. For example, in some variants, the
passage between the chamber 273 and the second chamber 273' can be
configured such that the weight of liquid soap L in the chamber 273
overcomes the surface tension of the liquid soap L and thus moves
the soap into a portion of the second chamber 273'. Accordingly,
the passage can be configured so as to reduce or avoid the chance
of surface tension of the soap inhibiting the soap from reaching
the gears 270, 270'. In certain embodiments, the width of the
passage (indicated by the dashed line in FIG. 32) can be greater
than or equal to the first dimension 293 and/or the second
dimension 294 of the opening 263.
With reference to FIGS. 33-36, another embodiment of a dispenser is
identified generally by the reference numeral 10D. The dispenser
10D can include a housing 12D, which in turn can include a lower
portion 100D, an upper portion 110D, reservoir 16D, and a nozzle
28D. Some of the components of the dispenser 10D can be the same,
similar, or identical to the corresponding components of the
dispensers discussed above. Some of these corresponding components
are identified with the same reference numeral, except that a "D"
has been added thereto and/or has replaced the "A," "B," or
"C."
In certain embodiments, the dispenser 10D has a sensor device 32D.
The sensor 32D can be configured to emit a trigger signal used to
control operation of a motor or an actuator. In some embodiments,
the sensor 32D can be an interrupt-type sensor. The sensor 32D can
be triggered when a body part is disposed in the path of a beam of
light 44D or some other mechanism interrupts the light beam 44D. In
some embodiments, the sensor 32D can be a proximity sensor or a
reflective type sensor that is configured to send a different
signal to the ECU based on the distance between an object and the
sensor. For the purposes of simplifying the examples described
below, a hand H is used to trigger the sensor 32D, but any number
of other objects or mechanisms could be used to trigger the sensor
32D.
The sensor 32D can be positioned along any portion of the housing
surface or the sensor can be a separate component. As shown in
FIGS. 33-36, the sensor 32D can be on the upper portion 110D of the
soap dispenser. The sensor 32D can be positioned along a surface
that is generally transverse to the longitudinal axis of the soap
dispenser. The sensor 32D can be positioned near the nozzle 28D.
The sensor 32D can be positioned such that the sensor detects the
hand H when the hand is positioned under the nozzle 28D.
In some embodiments, the dispenser 10D can include one or more
sensing regions 41D to trigger one or more sensor devices 32D. If a
signal is detected in a sensing region, the sensor can trigger the
dispenser to perform a specific operation based on the particular
signal. For example, the specific operation may vary based on the
distance between a hand H and the sensor 32D, and/or other
parameters such as angle, duration, repetition, path of motion,
and/or speed of motion. All descriptions of changing dispensing
performance based on sensing regions included herein can be applied
for use with these or other parameters besides or in addition to
sensing regions.
The one or more sensing regions 41D may take on any shape, width,
height, or length. The one or more sensing regions 41D can be
positioned in any number of configurations in relation to each
other and the dispenser 10D and are not limited to the regions
depicted in FIGS. 33-36. In some embodiments, a first sensing
region 41Da can be positioned adjacent to or near a second sensing
region 41Db; while in some embodiments, the first sensing region
41Da is not positioned adjacent to or near the second sensing
region 41Db. The first and second sensing regions 41Da, 41Db can be
disposed in proximity to any portion of the housing 12D. In some
embodiments, one or more sensing regions 41D are positioned in an
area that is between the nozzle 28D and the lower portion 100D,
while in some embodiments, one or more sensing regions 41D are
positioned in an area that is above the upper portion 110D of the
dispenser 10D.
The one or more sensing regions 41D can be used in any type of
configuration that allows the user to control an aspect of the
operation of the dispenser 10D. For example, the one or more
sensing regions 41D can be used to trigger the dispenser 10D to
dispense different volumes of liquid L, activate different duty
cycle characteristics, dispense at different speeds, operate for
varying durations of time, or other appropriate parameters. The
examples below will be explained in the context of a dispenser 10D
configured to dispense different volumes of liquid, but the
dispenser can be configured to dispense liquid with one or more of
any of the outputs described above.
These features allow the same touch-free dispenser to be used by
different users who may desire different outputs or by the same
user for different purposes without requiring direct physical
contact between the hands and a physical pump switch or other
adjustment. For example, an adult and a child can use the same
dispenser to obtain a volume of liquid soap that is proportional to
their hand size or the same person can adjust the volume of soap
dispensed depending on how dirty his/her hands are. A user can also
use the same touch-free soap dispenser to wash his/her hands or
wash a kitchen sink full of dishes.
In several embodiments, the one or more sensing regions 41D can be
configured to allow a user to select different volumes of liquid L
to be dispensed from the nozzle 28D during each dispensation cycle.
As shown in FIGS. 33 and 35, no liquid is dispensed when no signal
is detected within any of the sensing regions 41D. On the other
hand, in FIGS. 34 and 36, a predetermined volume of liquid L is
dispensed when a signal is detected within one of the sensing
regions 41D. As illustrated in FIG. 34, when a signal is detected
in a sensing region 41Db, the sensor 32D triggers the dispenser 10D
to dispense a first predetermined volume of liquid L1 from the
nozzle 28D. In FIG. 36, when a signal is detected in a different
sensing region 41De, the sensor triggers the dispenser to dispense
a second predetermined volume of liquid L2 from the nozzle 28D that
is different from the first volume of liquid L1.
In some embodiments, when a signal indicating that an object is
disposed in a first region (e.g., relative to the sensor) is
received, a first volume of liquid dispensed. In some embodiments,
when a signal indicating that an object is disposed in a second
region (e.g., further from the sensor than the first region) is
received, a second volume of liquid is dispensed. In certain
embodiments, the second volume is larger than the first volume. One
or more additional sensing regions and liquid volumes can be used.
In certain implementations, the volume of liquid dispensed is
related (e.g., linearly, exponentially, or otherwise) to the
distance from the sensor to the object. For example, in certain
embodiments, the volume of liquid dispensed increases as the
distance from the sensor to the object increases. In some
embodiments, the volume of liquid dispensed decreases as the
distance from the sensor to the object increases.
In some embodiments, the one or more sensing regions are positioned
in a manner that corresponds with natural human conduct or
instinct. For example, a child may be more inclined to hold his/her
hands closer to the nozzle, so, in some embodiments, a sensing
region positioned closer to the nozzle would dispense a smaller
volume of liquid than a sensing region positioned further away from
the nozzle.
In some embodiments, the volume of dispensed liquid does not depend
solely or at all on the length of time that the object remains in
the sensing region. The dispensed volumes can differ depending on
the location of the object (e.g., hand) in a different sensing
region, even if certain other parameters are the same (such as the
length of time that the object is sensed in a region).
In some embodiments, the dispenser 10D includes an algorithm
configured to send a command to trigger the dispenser to dispense
different volumes of liquid based on the detected signal. For
example, the algorithm can send a command to trigger the dispenser
to dispense a first pre-determined volume of liquid L1 if a signal
is detected in a first sensing region 41Da, or the algorithm can
send a command to trigger the dispenser to dispense a second
pre-determined volume of liquid L2 if a signal is detected in the
second sensing region 41Db.
In some embodiments, the algorithm can incorporate a delay that
deactivates the sensor or otherwise prevents the dispenser from
dispensing liquid immediately after the dispenser dispenses liquid.
The delay may be may be for 1 second, 5 seconds, or any other
amount of time. The delay helps prevent the user from
unintentionally triggering the dispenser. For example, after the
user triggers the dispenser to dispense liquid, the algorithm
commands the sensor to deactivate for the delay period. During the
delay period, the dispenser will not dispense liquid even if an
object is in a sensing region during the delay period. If the user
places his/her hand in a sensing region after the delay period, the
dispenser will dispense liquid again.
In some embodiments, the one or more sensing regions 41D can be
used for allowing a user to select different modes of dispensing
liquid L. When a signal is detected in the first sensing region
41Da, the sensor 32D triggers the dispenser 10D to dispense a first
predetermined volume of liquid L1 in normal mode. In normal mode,
the dispenser 10D is configured to dispense a pre-determined volume
of liquid L1 suitable for washing a user's hands. When a signal is
detected in the second sensing region 41Db, the sensor 32D triggers
the dispenser 10D to dispense liquid L in extended chore mode. In
extended chore mode, the dispenser 10D is configured to
continuously dispense and/or an increased amount (e.g., a maximum
predetermined amount of liquid). This may be helpful if, for
example, the user wishes to fill a sink full of soapy water for
washing dishes. In some embodiments, the volume of dispensed liquid
does not depend solely or at all on the length of time that the
object remains in the sensing region. In some embodiments, the
dispenser 10D may continue to dispense liquid as long as a hand is
detected in second sensing region 41Db.
In some embodiments, the dispenser 10D may have a first and second
sensing regions configured to operate in normal mode, and a third
sensor region configured to operate in extended chore mode.
In some embodiments, the one or more sensing regions can be
positioned in a manner that corresponds with natural human conduct
or instinct. For example, a user may not want to place his/her hand
underneath the nozzle to activate the extended chore mode if the
user does not want soap on his/her hands. Thus, the sensing region
associated with extended chore mode may be positioned above the
upper portion of the dispenser 10D or in proximity to the housing
in an area that is not in the path of dispensed liquid.
In some embodiments, the dispenser 10D includes an algorithm
configured to send a command to trigger the dispenser to dispense
liquid in normal mode, extended chore mode, or any other mode. For
example, the algorithm can send a command to trigger the dispenser
to dispense a liquid in normal mode if a signal is detected in a
first sensing region 41Da, or the algorithm can send a command to
trigger the dispenser to dispense a liquid in extended chore mode
if a signal is detected in the second sensing region 41Db.
In some embodiments, the one or more sensing regions 41D correspond
with different types of dispensing liquid. For example, when a
signal is detecting in the first sensing region 41Da, the sensor
32D triggers the dispenser 10D to dispense a first type of liquid,
such as soap. When a signal is detected in the second sensing
region 41Db, the sensor 32D triggers the dispenser 10D to dispense
a second type of liquid, such as lotion.
In some embodiments, the dispenser 10D includes an algorithm
configured to send a command to trigger the dispenser to dispense
different types of liquid based on the detected signal. For
example, the algorithm can send a command to trigger the dispenser
to dispense a first type of liquid, such as soap, if a signal is
detected in a first sensing region 41Da, or the algorithm can send
a command to trigger the dispenser to dispense a second type of
liquid, such as lotion, if a signal is detected in the second
sensing region 41Db.
In some embodiments, the dispenser 10D only comprises one sensing
region. The dispenser can be configured to dispense varying volumes
of liquid, based on the signal detected in the sensing region. For
example, the dispenser can dispense a first amount of liquid if the
hand is positioned at a first angle in the sensing region, and the
dispenser can dispense a second amount of liquid if the hand is
positioned at a second angle in the sensing region. In another
example, the dispenser can dispense a first amount of liquid if the
hand performs a first motion in the sensing region, and the
dispenser can dispense a second amount of liquid if the hand
performs a second motion in the sensing region.
In some embodiments, the dispenser 10D comprises a first sensing
region and a second sensing region, and the dispenser is configured
to dispense a predetermined volume of liquid, depending on the
angle of the hand or the hand motion in a first sensing region or a
second sensing region.
In some embodiments, the dispenser 10D may comprise a mechanism to
calibrate the different sensing regions with different output
characteristics as desired by the user. For example, a user could
configure a first sensing region to correspond with a first
user-selected volume of liquid L1 and configure a second sensing
region to correspond with a second user-selected volume of liquid
L2. In another example, the user could adjust the size (e.g., width
or height) of the sensing region. The user could designate a first
user-selected sensing region to correspond with a first
pre-determined volume of liquid L1 and designate a second
user-selected sensing region to correspond with a second
pre-determined volume of liquid L2. This calibration mode can be
triggered by pressing a button, activating a sensor, or any other
appropriate mechanisms.
In several embodiments, the dispenser 10D includes an algorithm
configured to send commands to the ECU when a signal indicates that
an object is disposed in a sensing region. An example of such an
algorithm is illustrated FIG. 37. The command may vary based on the
signal received. The signal may be dependent on the distance
between an object and the sensor, and/or other parameters such as
angle, duration, repetition, path of motion, and/or speed of
motion. In some embodiments, the algorithm can include a module 300
configured to dispense different volumes of liquid L. The module
300 may be configured to dispense different types of liquid, vary
the duty cycle, or operate for varying durations.
Module 300 begins at start block 302, and in operation block 304,
the module 300 initializes hardware and variables. In decision
block 306, the module 300 determines whether a signal has been
received from a first sensing region. If a signal is detected in
the first sensing region, the module 300 commands the dispenser to
dispense a first amount of liquid L1 as shown in operation block
308.
If a signal is not detected in a first sensing region, the module
300 determines whether a signal has been received from a second
sensing region in decision block 310. If a signal is detected in a
second sensing region, the module 300 commands the dispenser to
dispense a second amount of liquid L2 as shown in operation block
312.
If a signal is not detected in a second sensing region, the module
300 determines whether a signal has been detected for extended
chore mode in decision block 314. In extended chore mode, the
dispenser configured to dispense a predetermined maximum or at
least an increased amount of liquid L3. In some implementations,
the amount dispensed during a dispensation cycle is bounded by an
upper dispensation limit, such as greater than or equal to about 20
ml. The module 300 does not need to include all of the blocks
described above, or it may include more or different decision
blocks, such as to account for more sensing regions or other
parameters to detect.
FIG. 38 illustrates yet another embodiment of the previously
discussed electrically operated soap dispenser 10. In the
illustrated embodiment, the electronically operated soap dispenser
10E includes a pump unit 1001 and a cartridge 1002. Some of the
components of the dispenser 10E can be the same, similar, or
identical to the corresponding components of any of the other
dispensers discussed above. As discussed previously with regard to
the dispenser 10 the pump unit 1001 can include a pump, fluid
dispensing valve, proximity sensor, and electronic components. The
cartridge 1002 can be configured to be removable from the pump unit
1001. In some embodiments, the cartridge 1002 can include a
reservoir 1008 that contains soap to be dispensed by the pump unit
1001. In some embodiments, the cartridge 1002 can include a
reservoir 1008 and a power source 1003, wherein the power source
1003 is configured to power the pump unit 1001.
In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 38, the cartridge 1002 can be
configured to engage with a bottom portion of the pump unit 1001.
However, other configurations can be used, such as the cartridge
1002 configured to engage with a top or a side portion of the pump
unit 1001. The pump unit 1001 and the cartridge 1002 can include
removably locking features (not illustrated) so that the cartridge
1002 removably engages with the pump unit 1001.
In some embodiments, the pump unit 1001 can include a pump 1009 and
a soap inlet 1004, wherein the soap inlet 1004 can be configured to
flow soap to the pump 1009. In certain embodiments, the soap inlet
1004 can protrude out to engage with a valve 1005 of the cartridge
1002 so that the soap inlet 1004 and the valve 1005 are configured
to be in fluid communications. The valve 1005 can be a one-way
valve so that the soap is designed to flow to the pump unit 1001
and not leak in other directions. Of course, other engagement
configurations can be used where the soap inlet 1004 is a recess
and the valve 1005 protrudes.
In some embodiments, the valve 1005 can include a seal that
initially seals the valve 1005 of the cartridge 1002. In some
embodiments, the seal is punctured by the soap inlet 1004 when the
cartridge 1002 engages the pump unit 1001 so that the soap inlet
1004 and the valve 1005 can be in fluid communication. The seal can
be incorporated with the valve 1005. The engagement of the
cartridge 1002 and the pump unit 1001 can be guided so that the
soap inlet 1004 and the valve 1005 are generally aligned and the
seal is easily broken.
In some embodiments, the cartridge 1002 can include the reservoir
1008 for soap and the power source 1003. The power source 1003 can
be a disposable power source, such as a battery. The power source
1003 can include electrical contacts 1006 that engage with pump
unit electrical contacts 1007 to complete a circuit and provide
power to the pump unit 1001. The electrical contacts 1006 and 1007
can be traditional battery contacts such as electrically conducting
springs, plates, etc. The pump unit 1001 can be powered off when
the cartridge 1002 is disengaged.
In some embodiments, the amount of soap and the stored power within
the power source 1003 can be designed to be exhausted at about the
same time. The time to exhaust the soap and the power source 1003
can be from about 3 months to about 12 months during normal use
(operations of the about 10 times a day) of the dispenser 10E. In
some embodiments, the amount of soap dispensed by the dispenser 10E
is fixed so that the number of dispenses of soap from the reservoir
1008 is known. The amount of electric capacity within the power
source 1003 can then be configured to be exhausted at about the
same time as the amount of soap in the reservoir 1008. In some
embodiments, the amount of soap dispensed can be varied and the
amount of soap and the power within the power source 1003 can be
exhausted at different times. The user replaces the cartridge 1002
when either the soap or power source 1003 (or both) is exhausted.
The simple replacement of the cartridge 1002 allows the user from
having to manually replenish the soap or having to replace the
batteries in the dispenser 10E, which occur most likely at
different times.
With reference to FIGS. 39-44, another embodiment of a dispenser is
identified generally by the reference numeral 1110. The dispenser
1100 can include a housing portion 1112, which in turn can include
a reservoir 1116, a pump 1118, and a nozzle 1128. In some
embodiments, a sensor 1132 is positioned on the housing portion,
for example, near the nozzle 1128 as shown in FIG. 42 or any other
position described herein. Some of the components of the dispenser
1110 can be the same, similar, or identical to the corresponding
components of the dispensers discussed above.
As discussed above, in several embodiments the dispenser 1100 can
include a lid 1122, as shown in FIG. 39, which can be configured to
form a seal at the top of the reservoir 1116 for maintaining the
liquid soap L within the reservoir 1116. In some embodiments, the
lid 1122 can include an air vent (not shown), which can allow air
to enter the reservoir 1116 as the level of liquid soap L falls
within the reservoir 1116 such as during the course of use of the
dispenser 1100. In some embodiments, the lid 1122 can be movable
but generally non-removable from the dispenser 1100. For example,
the lid 1122 can be a pivotable, as shown in FIG. 43. A
non-removable lid can be desirable as it can reduce the chance that
the user will misplace the lid. When the lid 1122 is moved to an
open position, the user can refill the reservoir 1116. A portion of
the lid 1122 may include an engagement member, such as protruding
portion 1138 that engages (e.g., snaps together) with a recess
1134, to keep the lid 1122 from opening unintentionally. The
protruding portion 1138 may be offset or protrude from the outer
edge 1136 of the lid, so the user can readily manipulate (e.g.,
push or pull on the outer edge 1136 of the lid). In some
embodiments, the lid 1122 may be opened with the press of a button
or by triggering a sensor.
In certain embodiments, the lid 1122 can be biased (e.g. by a
spring). For example, in some embodiments, the lid 1122 can be
biased toward the open position. In some variants, the lid can be
biased toward the closed position. In certain embodiments, the lid
can be configured to open when a user pushes on the lid 1122. In
some embodiments, the reservoir 1116 can include an opening 1135
configured to be partly or entirely covered by the lid 1122. Some
embodiments of the opening 1135 can be configured to facilitate
loading of liquid soap L into the reservoir 1116 via the opening
1135. For example, the opening 1135 can have a first dimension D1
(e.g., generally parallel with the front of the dispenser 1110)
that is greater than or equal to a second dimension D2 (e.g.,
generally perpendicular to the front of the dispenser 1110). In
some embodiments, the first diameter D1 or widest dimension of the
opening 1135 is at least about 1 inch, about 2 inches, or about
equal to the length of a frontward edge 1137 (FIG. 44). In some
embodiments, as illustrated, the lid 1122 encompasses less than the
entire top surface of the dispenser 1110, such as less than or
equal to about half of the top surface of the dispenser. In some
embodiments, the lid 1122 can have at least a portion that
corresponds to an outer shape (e.g., a curve) of the top region or
other adjacent portion of the dispenser 1110, and/or the lid 1122
has at least a portion (e.g., a generally straight line) that does
not correspond to an outer shape of the top region or other
adjacent portion of the dispenser 1110.
As noted above, in several embodiments, the dispenser 1110 can
include a processor, which can control and/or report, by various
components, schemes, and algorithms, input and output
characteristics and functions of the dispenser 1110. In some
embodiments, as shown in FIG. 42, one or more wires 1120 can carry
signals between, for example, the processor and the sensor 1132. In
some variants, based on the signal received from the sensor, the
processor can signal the pump 1118 to dispense different volumes of
liquid soap L, activate different duty cycle characteristics,
increase or decrease the dispensation speeds, operate for greater
or lesser durations of time, or other appropriate parameters.
In some embodiments, the dispenser 1110 can include a user input
device 1152, such as a button, dial, switch, or otherwise. The user
input device 1152 can provide a signal to the processor, such as to
manually operate the dispenser 1110 to continuously discharge or
discharge larger amounts of liquid soap L when desired. For
example, if a user of the dispenser 1110 wishes to fill a sink full
of soapy water for washing dishes, the user can simply push the
user input device 1152 and dispense a larger amount of soap than
would normally be used for washing one's hands, such as at least
about 3 milliliters or at least about 4 milliliters. In certain
configurations, the input device 1152 can have a generally low
profile. For example, an upper surface of the user input device
1152 can be flush or about flush with an upper surface of the lid
1122 when the lid 1122 is closed. In some embodiments, the surface
area of the upper surface of the user input device 1152 can be
greater than or equal to the surface area of the upper surface of
the lid 1122, which can provide for ready manipulation of the user
input device 1152.
In some embodiments, the dispenser 1110 can include memory, such as
firmware, to store the various control schemes and algorithms, as
well certain instructions and/or settings related to various
characteristics of the dispenser 1110. For example, the memory can
include instructions and/or settings regarding the size of the
sensing regions, the sensitivity of the sensors, the volume and/or
rate of liquid soap dispensed, duty cycle characteristics, the
length of various timers, and otherwise.
In some embodiments, the dispenser 1110 can include a power
adjustment device, such as a button 1131. In some implementations,
alternatingly toggling (e.g., pressing) the button 1131 energizes
and de-energizes the dispenser 1110. In some variants, momentary
toggling of the button 1131 results in the dispenser 1110 entering
a lower power consumption mode, which can enhance the life of the
power source.
In several embodiments, the dispenser 1110 can include a port 1130,
such as a universal serial bus (USB) port, as shown in FIG. 40. The
port 1130 can be configured to permanently or removably receive a
connector coupled with a wire or cable (not shown). In some
embodiments, the port 1130 is configured to allow electrical
potential to pass to a soap dispenser power source via the
connector. In some embodiments, the port is configured to
facilitate charging or recharging of the soap dispenser power
source.
In some embodiments, the dispenser 1110 can be configured such that
a user can modify (e.g., update, program, or otherwise) the memory,
such as by connecting the dispenser 1110 to a computer. In some
embodiments, the dispenser 1110 can be communicatively connected
with a computer via the port 1130 (e.g., using a USB/cable). In
certain instances, data can be transferred between the computer and
the dispenser 1110 via the port 1130. In some embodiments, the
dispenser 1110 is configured to communicate with a computer
wirelessly, such as by a cellular, Wi-Fi, or Bluetooth.RTM.
network, infrared, or otherwise.
In some embodiments, when the dispenser 1110 is in communication
with the computer, a control panel may be displayed on a display
device associated with the computer. The control panel may allow
the user to adjust various input and output characteristics for the
dispenser 1110. For example, in some embodiments, a user can use
the control panel to adjust the volume of liquid soap dispensed
from nozzle 1128. In certain embodiments, the dispenser 1110 can
include first and second sensing regions and the user can configure
the volumes of liquid soap associated with the first and second
sensing regions. In some examples, the user can adjust the size
(e.g., depth, width, and/or height) of one or more of the sensing
regions. In some implementations, the user can use the control
panel to modify the operation and output (e.g., volume or rate) of
soap dispensed based on certain conditions, such as the amount of
battery power remaining, the amount of liquid soap estimated to be
remaining in the reservoir 1116, and otherwise. In certain
variants, the ability to modify the operational parameters of the
dispenser 1110 with the control panel can reduce or obviate the
need for one or more adjustment devices (e.g., buttons, knobs,
switches, or the like) on the dispenser 1110, thereby providing a
generally uniform exterior surface of dispenser 1110 (which can
facilitate cleaning) and reducing the chance of unintentional
adjustment of the operational parameters (such as when transporting
the dispenser 1110).
In some embodiments, when the dispenser 1110 is in communication
with the computer, data can be transferred from the dispenser 1110
to the computer. For example, in some embodiments, the dispenser
1110 can transfer data, such as power consumption, estimated
remaining battery power, the number of activations of the dispenser
1110, rate, amount, and/or frequency of soap consumption, and
otherwise. In certain embodiments, software can be used to analyze
the transferred data, such as to calculate usage statistics (e.g.,
during specific periods), recognize and/or draw attention to
unusual activity, and produce graphical representations of the data
(e.g., charts, graphs, or the like). Transferring usage statistics
from the dispenser 1110 to the computer can allow the user to
monitor usage and enables the user to calibrate different
characteristics of the dispenser 1110 (e.g., based on previous
usage and parameters). In certain embodiments, transferring data
from the dispenser 1110 to the computer can reduce or avoid the
need for one or more adjustment or display devices on the dispenser
1110 itself.
In some embodiments, when the dispenser 1110 is in communication
with the computer, the dispenser 1110 can transfer data to the
computer and the computer transfers data to the dispenser 1110.
Furthermore, in some embodiments, when the dispenser 1110 is in
communication with the computer, electrical potential can be
provided to the soap dispenser power source before, during, or
after such two-way data transfer. The electronic interfacing,
control, and/or reporting described herein in connection with the
dispenser can be used with many other electrical devices, including
houseware devices, such as trashcans, minors, cooking devices
(e.g., ovens, stones, toasters, etc.), refrigerators, etc.
With reference to FIGS. 45-54, another embodiment of a dispenser is
identified generally by the reference numeral 1210. The dispenser
1210 can include a lower portion 1213b, an upper portion 1213a, a
reservoir 1216, and dispensing portion 1227 with a nozzle 1228. In
some embodiments, a sensor 1232 can be positioned on the dispenser
1210, for example, on the bottom portion of the dispensing portion
1227 as shown in FIG. 46. In several embodiments, the lower portion
1213b comprises the reservoir 1216. In some embodiments, the entire
lower portion 1213b can be the reservoir 1216. The reservoir 1216
can be configured for disposable, one-time use with a temporarily
sealed soap-containing portion that is discarded when the soap
supply is exhausted. Some of the components of the dispenser 1210
can be the same, similar, or identical to the corresponding
components of the dispensers discussed above.
In some embodiments, the upper portion 1213a comprises a lid 1222
configured to open to allow access to the reservoir 1216 (e.g., for
adding liquid soap L to the reservoir 1216) and to close (e.g., for
maintaining the liquid soap L within the reservoir 1216). In some
embodiments, the lid 1222 can be pivotable. For example, in some
embodiments, the lid 1222 can be pivotable about an axis generally
parallel to the front of the dispenser 1210. The lid 1222 may be
opened by any of the mechanisms discussed above, such as by pushing
or pulling on the lid 1222, pressing a button, triggering a sensor,
or otherwise.
In several embodiments, the upper portion 1213a comprises some or
all of the components that draw, pump, dispense the soap, and/or
that power and control the dispenser 1210. For example, in certain
variants, the upper portion 1213a can include the nozzle 1228, the
sensor 1232, a pump 1218, a conduit 1226, a power supply, an
actuator, and/or an electronic control unit. As shown in FIG. 46, a
cover 1240 can partly cover certain components, such as the pump
1218, power supply, actuator, and/or electronic control unit. As
described above, the electronic control unit may comprise control
circuits, a processor, and memory devices for storing and
performing control routines.
In some embodiments, the dispenser 1210 can include a user input
device 1252, such as a button, dial, switch, or otherwise. The user
input device 1252 can provide a signal to the processor, such as to
manually operate the dispenser 1210 to continuously discharge or
discharge larger amounts of liquid soap L when desired. For
example, if a user of the dispenser 1210 wishes to fill a sink full
of soapy water for washing dishes, the user can simply push the
user input device 1252 and dispense a larger amount of soap than
would normally be used for washing one's hands, such as at least
about 3 milliliters or at least about 4 milliliters. In certain
configurations, the input device 1252 can have a generally low
profile. For example, an upper surface of the user input device
1252 can be flush or about flush with an upper surface of the lid
1222 when the lid 1222 is closed. In some embodiments, the surface
area of the upper surface of the user input device 1252 is greater
than or equal to the surface area of the upper surface of the lid
1222, which can provide for ready manipulation of the user input
device 1252.
As illustrated in FIGS. 46A-B, in some embodiments, the upper
portion 1213a and the lower portion 1213b can detach from each
other. In several embodiments, it may be desirable to have a
detachable reservoir 1216. For example, the detachable reservoir
1216 can allow the user to replace the lower portion 1213b with a
new, fresh, or pre-filled lower portion 1213b. For example, a user
may purchase several lower portions 1213b, which may be pre-filled
with liquid soap. When a particular lower portion 1213b has been
spent (e.g., the soap of the lower portion 1213b has been consumed)
then the user may remove the upper portion 1213a from the used
lower portion 1213b and engage the upper portion 1213a with an
unused or at least not empty lower portion 1213b, thereby providing
a generally uninterrupted supply of soap. As some embodiments house
the components for pumping and dispensing soap in the upper portion
1213a, the same upper portion 1213a can be used again and again
with various lower portions 1213b. Further, the arrangement of
having the components for pumping soap in the upper portion 1213a
can provide a convenient assembly (e.g., a single generally
contained unit) to move between lower portions 1213b. Thus, certain
embodiments can allow users to replenish the liquid soap L without
pouring any liquid soap L out of a container and potentially
creating a mess. In some embodiments, the dispenser can indicate
(such as visibly or audibly, by a light or a speaker) that the soap
supply has diminished to a pre-determined level so that a new
disposable portion, pre-filled with soap can be purchased in the
near future.
In several embodiments, it may be desirable to have a dispenser
1210 with a detachable lower portion 1213b, as shown in FIG. 55. In
some embodiments, the lower portion 1213b comprises a reservoir
1216 configured to receive liquid soap L. In these embodiments, the
user is able to replace the lower portion 1213b when the soap is
exhausted. In certain scenarios, it may be desirable to position
the reservoir 1216 in a lower portion of the dispenser 1210, so the
reservoir 1216 is easier to access and replace.
In some embodiments, the lower portion 1213b includes a power
source. In some embodiments, the power source can be disposable. In
some embodiments, the power source comprises one or more batteries.
In certain variants, the batteries are charged by, an electrical
connection to a domestic power supply, such as a standard wall
outlet. The power source can include electrical contacts that
engage with the upper portion 1213a to complete a circuit and
provide electrical power to the dispenser 1210. In some
embodiments, the dispenser 1210 can be de-powered when the upper
and lower portions 1213 a, 1213b are disengaged.
In several embodiments, the lower portion 1213b can be configured
to engage with the upper portion 1213a. The upper portion 1213a and
lower portion 1213b can include engagement features configured to
maintain the lower portion 1213b in engagement the upper portion
1213a. For example, one or both of the upper and lower portions can
include mating tabs and slots, ball detents, or otherwise. As
illustrated, the outer shape and contours of the lower portion
1213b can generally correspond to the outer shape and controls of
the upper portion 1213a.
FIGS. 51-54 illustrate an embodiment of the pump 1218. In several
embodiments, the pump 1218 can be a gear pump and can comprise a
pair of gears 1270 and a pump body 1272. In some embodiments, other
type of pumps can be used, such as diaphragm pumps, centrifugal
pumps, etc. In some embodiments, the pump 1218 can include an inlet
and an outlet. The inlet can connect to a conduit 1226b for
receiving liquid soap L from the reservoir 1216. The outlet can
connect to a conduit 1226a for delivering liquid soap L to the
nozzle 1228d. In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 49-50, liquid
soap L is encouraged out of the pump 1218 in generally a vertical
pathway from the conduit 1226a. In some embodiments, the soap
dispenser 1210 can be taller than it is wide (e.g., front to back),
thus horizontal space may be more at a premium than vertical space.
Accordingly, in certain variants, arranging the liquid soap to exit
via a connector 1271 that extends generally vertical can provide a
more efficient use of space compared to embodiments having a
connector that extends generally horizontally. In some embodiments,
the generally vertically extending connector 1271 may be desirable
to help decrease the size of the soap dispenser 1220.
In several embodiments, when the upper portion 1213a is engaged
with the lower portion 1213b, conduit 1226b extends into the liquid
soap L in reservoir 1216. The conduit 1226b can be configured such
that an end of the conduit 1226b is positioned at or near the
bottom of the lower portion 1213b when the upper and lower portions
are coupled together. In this configuration, the pump 1218 can be
disposed generally above the liquid soap L. The pump 1218 drives
liquid soap L from the reservoir, through the pump 1218, and out of
the nozzle 1228.
With reference to FIG. 55, another embodiment is illustrated with a
removable fluid-containing cartridge. As with other embodiments
disclosed herein, the features, structures, steps, and/or processes
of the embodiments of FIG. 55 and related disclosure can be used in
addition to or instead of those in other embodiments, such as the
embodiment shown in FIG. 38. Some dispensers include a pump unit
1001 and a removable cartridge 1002. In some embodiments, the
cartridge can be configured to be disposable, such as after a
single use or after the use of a certain volume of soap.
In some embodiments, the dispenser can be replenished by replacing
or at least partially refilling the cartridge. For example, when a
fluid volume of liquid (e.g., liquid soap) in a first cartridge is
exhausted or at least drops below a limit, then the first cartridge
can be removed and/or replaced with a second cartridge. In some
variants, when the first cartridge includes a power source, such as
a battery, and can be replaced when a condition occurs (e.g., a
certain number of dispensations has occurred, the amount of power
remaining in the power source is determined to be below a limit,
etc.).
The cartridge 1002 can be configured to engage with the pump unit
1001 in various configurations. For example, the cartridge 1002 can
engage a bottom portion of the pump unit 1001 (see FIG. 38), a top
portion of the pump unit 1001 (see FIG. 55), or any other portion
or combination of portions of the pump unit 1001, such as the
front, rear, and/or side. The cartridge 1002 can engage the pump
unit 1001 using any type of removable connection, such as with
magnets, clips, snaps, a screw-fit, an interference fit, one or
more spring-loaded buttons or sliders, or otherwise. In some
embodiments, the cartridge 1002 or pump unit 1001 can includes one
or more first attachment structures such as arms, fins, ribs,
struts, detents, bosses, or the like that are configured to be
received in corresponding second attachment structures such as
recesses, notches, grooves, or the like in the other of the
cartridge 1002 and pump unit 1001. Generally, the cartridge 1002
engages the pump unit 1001 such that a fluid or a liquid, and/or
electrical power, can flow from the cartridge 1002 and into the
pump unit 1001.
In some embodiments, the cartridge 1002 contains at least one
fluid, such as soap, lotion, and/or sanitizer. In certain
implementations, the cartridge 1002 can include a power source,
such as a battery. Some variants of the cartridge 1002 can indicate
one or more properties of the cartridge 1002 contents to the pump
unit 1001. For example, in some embodiments, the cartridge 1002 can
indicate the contents of the cartridge 1002 (e.g., the type of
fluid: soap, lotion, sanitizer, etc.). In certain implementations,
the cartridge 1002 can indicate one or more characteristics of the
contents of the cartridge 1002, such as the brand of the fluid, the
viscosity of the fluid, the moisture content of the fluid, the
volume of the fluid contained, and/or battery capacity (e.g.,
beginning and/or real-time voltage or current of the power source).
For example, in some embodiments, the cartridge 1002 can indicate
that it contains about 100 milliliters of liquid hand soap and a
power source with about 15 watts of power (e.g., about 1.5 volts
and about 10 amps). In some implementations, the cartridge 1002 can
indicate to the pump unit 1001 whether the cartridge 1002 is for
home, commercial, or industrial use. The soap pump 1001 can be
configured with a display for showing the user one or more
characteristics of the fluid or the soap pump 1001 can be
configured to obtain the information for internal processing
without displaying the information to a user.
In certain variants, the pump unit 1001 and/or the cartridge 1002
can have an engagement indication element (not shown), such as an
internal indicator in electrical communication with a processor in
the pump 1001 or an external indicator, such as a speaker, a
colored window, a moveable indicating component, a light, etc. The
engagement indication element can be configured to signify that the
pump unit 1001 and the cartridge 1002 have been properly engaged.
Some variants of the engagement indication element can be
configured to indicate that data regarding the cartridge 1002 has
been received by the pump unit 1001.
Some embodiments of the pump unit 1001 can be configured to detect
the cartridge 1002. For example, the pump unit 1001 can include a
sensing element (not shown) that is configured to detect the
cartridge 1002 when the cartridge 1002 and the pump unit 1001 are
engaged. In some embodiments, the sensing element can be configured
to detect one or more detection characteristics such as: a magnetic
field, capacitance, resistance, a particular electrical voltage or
current or a particular range or pattern of voltages or currents,
conductivity, pressure, vibration, sound, light, or otherwise. For
example, the sensing element can be configured to detect the
strength presence and/or strength of a magnetic field emanating
from the cartridge 1002. In certain variants, the sensing element
can be configured to detect patterns of light, or disruptions
thereof, when the cartridge 1002 is engaged with the pump 1001. In
certain variants, the pump 1001 can be configured to receive an
indication of a feature of the cartridge 1002 and to change a
characteristic (e.g., output) of the configuration and/or
performance of the pump unit 1001 based at least in part on that
indication.
In certain implementations, the sensing element can be configured
to detect the engagement of the pump unit 1001 with one or more
mechanical or electrical indication members of the cartridge 1002.
For example, in some embodiments, the combination of the pump unit
1001 and the cartridge 1002 comprises an engagement system, such as
one or more receiving members, such as recesses, slots, or
otherwise, on one of the pump unit 1001 or cartridge 1002 that are
configured to engage with a series of projection members, such as
clips, pins, ribs, or otherwise, on the other of the pump unit 1001
or cartridge 1002.
In some embodiments, the sensing element can comprise a mechanical
configuration or array to provide an indication of one or more
characteristics of the cartridge 1002. In some implementations, the
number, type, position, shape, arrangement, orientation, and/or
other characteristics of the mechanical configuration or array
(e.g., projection members) can be used to discern one or more
characteristics of the cartridge 1002 and/or the contents thereof.
For example, with reference to the embodiments of FIGS. 56A-56C,
the sensing element comprises a plurality of slots, such as three
slots, A, B, and C, and the cartridge 1002 comprises a plurality of
pins, such as two pins X, Y configured to engage two of the slots.
As shown in FIG. 56A, a first characteristic of the cartridge 1002
and/or the contents thereof can be discerned when the pins X, Y
engage slots A and B. As illustrated in FIG. 56B, a second
characteristic of the cartridge 1002 and/or the contents thereof
can be discerned when the pins X, Y engage slots B and C. As shown
in FIG. 56C, a third characteristic of the cartridge 1002 and/or
the contents thereof can be discerned when the pins X, Y engage
slots A and C.
In some embodiments, the cartridge 1002 comprises electrical
contacts that can engage with corresponding electrical contacts of
the sensing element of the pump unit 1001, thereby allowing for one
or more characteristics of the cartridge 1002 to be determined
based on which of the corresponding electrical contacts are
engaged. In some embodiments, the sensing element can comprise
electronic circuitry configured to produce one or more electronic
signals, such as a specific resistance value in the cartridge or a
specific voltage or current output (including a range of outputs)
generated by a power source in the cartridge, that can be sensed by
the pump unit 1001 upon engagement therewith to determine one or
more characteristics of the cartridge 1002. For example, a first
electronic characteristic, such as a first resistance value or
voltage or current value (e.g., 100 ohms, 1 volt, or 5 amps), can
indicate a first characteristic (e.g., the cartridge contains
soap), and a second electronic characteristic, such as a second
resistance value or voltage or current value (e.g., 300 ohms, 5
volts, or 10 amps), can indicate a second characteristic (e.g., the
cartridge contains a hand sanitizer), etc. There can be any number
of electronic signals correlated to different cartridge
characteristics (e.g., at least 2, at least 3, etc.).
In some embodiments, the pump unit 1001 contains memory, such as
firmware. The memory can contain subroutines for performing any of
the processes or steps disclosed herein and/or data, such as a
cross-reference, that can be used to determine what the various
cartridge 1002 indications represent in terms of the
characteristics of the contents of the cartridge 1002 (e.g., fluid
type, volume, power source voltage, and otherwise). For example, in
the embodiments of FIGS. 56A-56C, when pins X, Y are found to
engage slots A and B, the memory could be accessed to determine
that such a configuration indicates that the cartridge contains a
predetermine quantity of liquid hand soap; when pins X, Y are found
to engage slots B and C, the memory could be accessed to determine
that such a configuration indicates that the cartridge contains a
different predetermined quantity of liquid hand soap; and when pins
X, Y are found to engage slots A and C, the memory could be
accessed to determine that such a configuration indicates that the
cartridge contains a predetermined quantity of lotion.
In some embodiments, one or more of the output characteristics of
the pump unit 1001 can be adjusted based on, in whole or in part,
the indication from the cartridge 1002 to the pump unit 1001. For
example, the dispensation volume, dispensation period, motor duty
cycle, pumping pressure, operational voltage, and/or other
characteristics can be adjusted based on the indication of the
cartridge 1002 to the pump unit 1001 regarding one or more
characteristics of the contents of the cartridge 1002. For example,
in some implementations, if the cartridge 1002 is determined to
contain a first type of fluid (e.g., liquid soap), then the pump
unit 1001 can be automatically adjusted to dispense a first volume
(e.g., about 1.0 milliliter) of the first fluid when the pump unit
1001 is activated. In some variants, if the cartridge 1002 is
determined to contain a second fluid that is different from the
first fluid (e.g., lotion), then the pump unit 1001 can be adjusted
to dispense a second volume that is different from the first volume
(e.g., 2.0 milliliters) of the second fluid when the pump unit 1001
is activated. In some embodiments, the output characteristic
adjustments can be contained in the memory of the pump unit 1001.
For example, when the memory is accessed to determine the contents
of the cartridge 1002, the memory can be accessed to determine what
adjustments to the pump unit 1001 should be made for such contents.
In some embodiments, a manual adjustment of a characteristic (such
as liquid dispensing volume control) is not required when an
automatic adjustment of that characteristic is performed.
In certain embodiments, the output characteristics of the pump unit
1001 can be adjusted based on the viscosity of the fluid contained
in the cartridge 1002. For example, in some variants, the pumping
pressure and/or amount of power applied to the motor can be changed
as a function of the viscosity of the fluid contained in the
cartridge 1002. For example, when the pump unit 1001 determines
that the cartridge 1002 contains a first fluid (e.g., a liquid
soap) with a first viscosity, the pump unit can adjust the motor's
duty cycle to a first setting (e.g., 60%), and when the pump unit
1001 determines that a second cartridge 1002 contains a second
fluid (e.g., a second type of liquid soap) with a second viscosity
(e.g., different than the first viscosity), the pump unit can
adjust the motor's duty cycle to a second setting that is different
from the first setting (e.g., 80%). In certain variants, the pump
unit can be programmed to increase the volume of fluid dispensed or
to dispense liquid for a longer period of time, such as by
increasing the number of duty cycles of the motor.
In some embodiments, the pump unit 1001 and/or the cartridge 1002
can be configured such that the power source (e.g., one or more
batteries) and the fluid contents are exhausted at about the same
time. Thus, the cartridge 1002 can be discarded with little or no
unused fluid and/or power reserve. Such a configuration can, for
example, promote efficiency by reducing the amount of fluid and/or
power reserve that is unused yet discarded.
In certain implementations, the amount of fluid in the cartridge
1002 is described as a "fluid rating," which is a percentage of the
initial fluid level remaining in the cartridge. In some variants,
the amount of power in the cartridge 1002 is described as a "power
rating," which is a percentage of the initial amount of power
remaining in the power source. Generally, the cartridge 1002
initially includes a 100% fluid rating and a 100% power rating. In
some embodiments, after half of the fluid and half of the power
have been expended, the cartridge 1002 has a 50% fluid rating and a
50% power rating. In certain implementations, the cartridge 1002
can be configured such that the fluid rating and the power rating
decrease approximately in unison. In some embodiments, the
cartridge 1002 can be configured such that the fluid rating and the
power rating are proportionally related. In some embodiments, the
fluid rating and the power rating each decrease in a generally
linear manner.
Certain variants have a fluid rating and power rating that decrease
at different rates. Such a configuration can be beneficial, for
example, in embodiments in which the amount of power needed to
expel an amount of fluid increases as the fluid rating decreases
(e.g., to overcome head pressure, gravity, friction, or otherwise).
In some embodiments, the cartridge 1002 can be configured such that
the fluid rating reaches approximately 0% before the power rating
reaches approximately 0%, thereby providing a small reserve of
power for expelling the last of the fluid. In certain
implementations, the fluid rating decreases in a generally linear
manner and the power rating decreases in a generally exponential
manner. In some variants, the fluid rating and the power rating
each decrease in generally linearly, but with different slopes.
In some embodiments, the pump unit 1001 can be programmed with
different settings for the same cartridge contents. For example,
the dispenser may include one or more sensing regions similar or
identical to the sensing regions discussed in reference to FIGS.
33-36. If a signal is detected in a sensing region, the sensor can
trigger the dispenser to perform a specific operation based on the
particular signal. For example, the specific operation may vary
based on the distance between a hand H and the sensor, and/or other
parameters such as angle, duration, repetition, path of motion,
and/or speed of motion. The different settings can be activated
using different input or selector devices, such as buttons, knobs,
or other devices. The settings triggered by the sensor or input
device can change depending on the type of cartridge 1002 connected
to the pump 1001.
The dispenser can include one or more indicators configured to
issue a visual, audible, or other type of indication to a user of
the dispenser. For example, the dispenser may indicate the type
(e.g., soap or lotion) of dispensing fluid contained in the
cartridge 1002, the actual or estimated volume of dispensing fluid
remaining in the cartridge 1002, or otherwise. Certain embodiments
are configured to indicate the actual or estimated power source
voltage, remaining capacity, life expectancy (e.g., in terms of
time or number of dispensations), or otherwise.
In some embodiments, the soap dispenser can include a controller
(e.g., a processor) configured to implement one or more algorithms.
The algorithms can be configured to send commands to control one or
more aspects of the liquid dispenser, such as one or more commands
to dispense the fluid from the cartridge 1002 according to the
discerned characteristics of the cartridge 1002. An example of such
an algorithm is illustrated in FIG. 57. Beginning at start block
1302, in operation block 1304, the module 1300 initializes hardware
and variables. The algorithm can then proceed to decision block
1306, in which the module 1300 determines whether a cartridge 1002
is connected to the pump unit 1001. Next, in decision block 1308,
the module 1300 can determine whether the sensing element of the
pump unit has determined that the cartridge 1002 contains a first
feature (e.g., a particular type of liquid soap) L1. If L1 is
detected, then, in operation block 1310, the module 1300 can
initiate output characteristics pre-programmed for feature L1. For
example, the pump unit 1001 can set the soap dispensation time
and/or volume of to a level appropriate for L1. The adjusted output
characteristics may include any combination of output
characteristics described above. The algorithm can then return to
block 1306 to repeat the logic loop. If L1 is not detected, then
the algorithm can proceed to decision block 1312, in which the
module 1300 can determine whether the cartridge 1002 contains a
second feature L2 (e.g., a different type of liquid than L1, such
as lotion or hand sanitizer). If L2 is detected, then, in operation
block 1314, the module 1300 can initiate output characteristics
pre-programmed for liquid L2. For example, the pump unit 1001 can
set the liquid dispensation time and/or volume to a level
appropriate for L2. As shown, the algorithm can then return to
block 1306 to repeat the logic loop. Module 1300 does not need to
include all of the blocks described above, or it may include more
or different blocks to account for additional and/or different
features (e.g., fluid viscosity, fluid volume, power supply type
and/or voltage, cartridge life expectancy and/or expiration, or
otherwise).
Although the soap dispenser has been disclosed in the context of
certain embodiments and examples, it will be understood by those
skilled in the art that the soap dispenser extends beyond the
specifically disclosed embodiments to other alternative embodiments
and/or uses of the embodiments and certain modifications and
equivalents thereof. For example, some embodiments can be
configured to use a fluid other than soap, e.g., hand sanitizer,
shampoo, hair conditioner, skin moisturizer or other lotions,
toothpaste, or other fluids. It should be understood that various
features and aspects of the disclosed embodiments can be combined
with or substituted for one another in order to form varying modes
of the soap dispenser. Accordingly, it is intended that the scope
of the soap dispenser herein-disclosed should not be limited by the
particular disclosed embodiments described above, but should be
determined only by a fair reading of the claims that follow.
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